In response to the player crisis at Huish Park manager Russell Slade seems set to turn tonight's Reserve fixture at Whaddon Road in to something of a public trial, according to this morning's Western Daily Press. Up to five trialists are expected to play some part.
As was revealed on this site yesterday (below) Dale Tonge, a defensive mid-fielder who can also play at right-back, has been granted permission by Championship Barnsley to play in this evening's match and is available for loan. But Slade will also be looking at former Plymouth Argyle defender Anthony Barness, who has the advantage of being a free agent after his release by the Devon club and thus available outside the usual signing restrictions. The third potential right-back on display will be Ipswich Town youngster Luke Webster, who played in the F.A. Youth Cup at Huish Park earlier this season.
Webster will be joined in the Glovers' side by team-mate Darryl Knights (below, 12/02/07), who makes his second appearance for Yeovil Reserves. The striker has been training with the Glovers for the last two weeks and played against Weymouth last week, winning a penalty when he was fouled by Ashley Vickers, an incident that also saw the dismissal of the Terras captain.
The last of the five trialists is an unnamed forward from Scandinavia, with the manager's secondary concern after the immediate need for a right-back being how to replace Leon Best when he has to leave Huish Park after the forthcoming fixtures against Tranmere Rovers and AFC Bournemouth.
Slade continues to retain an interest in Martin Cranie. But Southampton appear to have cooled on that possibility at present with Cranie still currently needed as cover at St Mary's. A further enquiry could be made towards the end of the month if Saints' own injury concerns ease.
Cheltenham Town are expecting to field a virtually unchanged reserve side. Their official site reports that they will field the same squad who lined up in last week's 1-0 win over Exeter City has been named, with the exception of goalkeeper Will Puddy, currently on work experience with Southern League Yate Town, who returns to the bench for this match in place of youth teamer Jamie Moore. The only other addition is first year scholar Darius Morgan, who is also added to bench, Cheltenham only naming fifteen for the Exeter fixture.
Cheltenham Town Reserves from: Brown, Gallinagh, Caines, Lowe, Wylde, Yao, Connolly, Foley, Paul, Reid, Gillespie, Puddy, Parker, Biggs, Walsh, Morgan.
The match at Whaddon Road kicks off at 7.00 p.m. Admission prices are 2 pounds for adults, whilst if you are Under 16, you can get in free of charge.
Comment on this News Item on Facebook
or Go back to Top of Page
|
13 February 2007 : 
