5:10pm Friday 16th November 2012
By Ian Whiting
Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey is still looking to add to his squad following the arrival of midfielder Simon Garner this week.
Deacey and assistant Mark Hume have been using their contacts in the game to get a centre back to Horsfall but the search goes on for yet more new recruits.
Deacey said: “Simon is great capture. I like him and the way he plays the game. He is a very versatile player because he can play left back as well as midfield and we wanted someone in on that side.
“Chorley is his club but he has been at both Halifax and FC United and done well. We have him on loan initially but we will see how things work out.
“We need at lest one central defender because we haven’t got any but it’s difficult because everyone is keeping hold of their centre halves.
“James Knowles is the only recognised central defender in our squad at the moment. Nathan Hotte has done really well for us there but then we miss him in the centre of the park.
Deacey admitted that he had allowed James Riley to leave too soon.
He said: “James went to Farsley and in hindsight I let that happen far too early. Adam Clayton did well in there last season but he’s been injured this year.
“He is having an operation on his knee soon and the good news is that it’s only a cartilage, so we hope he will be back in three or four weeks.”
Deacey has some funds to sign loan players and there is scope in the budget, boosted by the FA Cup run prize money, to add some permanent signings.
With Avenue having a chance of making the Blue Square Bet North play-offs, the manager feels he has to strengthen.
He said: “The league is panning out as I thought, with Guiseley, Chester, Halifax and Harrogate Town all up there.
“I think those clubs, along with leaders Brackley, will be fighting it out for the one automatic promotion place and the rest will all expect the play-offs.
“We have done well but I think we’re punching above our weight a bit. We are battling it out with clubs like Altrincham, Gainsborough and the like for the last play-off place.
“We will keep battling and playing the cards we’re dealt but I still think it will be a marvellous achievement if we get in (the play-offs).”
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