New boy James in squad to face minnows
Last updated 14:52, Friday, 05 September 2008
BARROW started the long trek south today with a new defender in the bag.
The club have clinched the signing of 25-year-old defender Craig James in time for tomorrow’s game at Lewes.
Bluebirds’ joint-manager Darren Sheridan today said the player, who was unattached, is initially on a one-month contract.
A Middlesbrough lad, James started his career at Sunderland and can operate as a left-sided centre-half, full-back or midfielder.
His previous clubs include Hibernian, Port Vale, Darlington, York, Oldham and Livingston in the Scottish Premier League.
The six foot-plus James, who latterly has had a brief spell with Rochdale, was expected to have been in the squad for Tuesday’s game with Rushden but fell ill.
However, he was able to take part at training last night and goes straight into contention for a place in tomorrow’s starting line-up.
Sheridan said that James was not a complete stranger to some of the Barrow players.
He states: “Carlos (Logan) knows him from their days at Darlington and Boydy (Mark Boyd) has come across him before.
“I have also had a word with my brother John (Oldham manager) about the time he spent there.
“Craig is a left-sided centre half but can play other positions and it gives us a few more options.”
Sheridan – and fellow manager Dave Bayliss – will weigh things up again tonight before announcing their final squad.
Paul Brown staked his claim with his third goal on Tuesday while strike duo Jason Walker and Lee Hunt are under pressure from Paul Tait and Nick Rogan.
Adds Sheridan: “We need competition for places. The players need to fully focus on Lewes who won’t be an easy team to beat.
“People said Stevenage were struggling but look what they did to us, it can come back to bite you.”
The 700-mile round trip to lowly Lewes is Barrow’s second longest of the season with the team setting off this afternoon and stopping overnight near Gatwick.
Some AFC supporters are even flying from Manchester to Gatwick tomorrow.
What an insult to the Barrow Fans switching the Eastbourhe replay to Wednesday. How many fans had changed their shift patterns or social engagements to be able to attend on Tuesday. Can the board inform me in their infinite wisdom that Martin will not be recalled to Leeds over the weekend, or that he will not be injured on Tuesday nighr
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Any news if Richard Brodie is staying fro another month.
I think however York will recall him. they have only scored 2 goals in the last 6 games
Posted by mark on 20 November 2008 kl. 10:47