Sturrock: 'We didn’t really have a way of mixing things up or coming up with something different'
Blues boss Paul Sturrock couldn't be more pleased with his new signings, especially due to the options he now has to change a game if it's not going to his liking, something he hasn't always been able to do this season that still sees the Shrimpers in second place in League Two and well on course to continue the push for promotion.
Sturrock told www.echo-news.co.uk: "We've brought Jack Sampson to the club this week on an initial month long loan deal and we’re close to bringing in another forward as well. The striking department is an important part of any football club and it’s nice to have players in that position under pressure. That’s what we have here now and having competition for places is always healthy. Nobody can afford to relax and I think that will bring out the best in our players. It certainly gives me a few more options and food for thought for the game at Northampton Town tomorrow."
It certainly does, the guessing at Luggy's strating line-up and the five subs will go on until the team is announced.
Will it include nine-goal Liam Dickinson? A lot depending on Elliot Benyon's fitness, as well as how Sampson looked in training.
However jake is not the only new kid on the block, though one has been around longer than most.
Sturrock said: "We were all delighted to get back to winning ways against Port Vale last Saturday and it’s also been pleasing to have done our business early in the January transfer window. Making Michael Timlin’s loan move permanent was a no brainer because of how well he’s been playing for us and we had always aimed to bring in another winger and at least one more forward. Elliot (Benyon) offers us something different and so does David Martin."
So what do these players bring to the squad?
Luggy explained: "At times this season I’d felt that it Ryan Hall wasn’t on form then we didn’t really have a way of mixing things up or coming up with something different. But that’s no longer the case and we now also have young Jack to throw in to the equation as well. He’s here for an initial month and if he excites us during that time then we will extend the loan spell for even longer. Jack’s an England under 19 international, he’s a big lad, has a strong build and is left footed so again it’s an alternative option for us in attack. He gives us a bit of back up height wise and is definitely an exciting prospect. He’s probably still quite some time away from pushing for a place in the Bolton first team so it will do him good as well to get games.I’m looking forward to working with the lad and seeing what he can bring to the show."
As we all do, all 500-plus making the trip to the Sixfields stadium Saturday, it should be quite a day!
And another one?: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
A Scottish signing?: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
I'm a targetman says Sampo: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
See what the locals are saying: www.burndenaces.co.uk
A good signing?: boards.footymad.net
The January Transfer Thread: http://boards.footymad.net
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