Downing on the Southampton match
Posted on: Wed 30 Jul 2008
Cheltenham Town manager Keith Downing says there were plenty of positives to be taken from the pre-season friendly against Southampton on Saturday.
Downing's men remain unbeaten in their seven pre-season games to date and followed up the creditable 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion last week with another 1-1 result against Southampton.
Youth team players Theo Lewis, Marley Watkins and Josh Emery made second half appearances with Lewis scoring the equalising goal six minutes from time.
"There were a lot of plusses for us," said Downing.
"We had a few trialists out, senior guys in different positions and some young players coming off the bench and they were probably the highlight.
"Young Theo got a terrific goal that showed a maturity beyond his age. The youth set up is vital to the football club because we don't go spending big money on players and it gives me food for thought as well because the youngsters are there, waiting and ready to learn.
"I think we'll be seeing more of the young guys in the reserves this season because I won't be looking to play so many of the senior players in those games. The aim for people like Theo Lewis, Marley Watkins and the others is to become regulars in the reserves and then push on to get into the first team squad."
Trialists Nicky Law (Sheffield United), Former Swiss Under-21 international Gregory Duruz and ex Margate player Ryan Martin all played in midfield against the Saints. Downing said that he would be deciding over the weekend whether to invite them back for Tuesday's pre-season friendly against Bristol City at Whaddon Road.
Meanwhile, the club's latest transfer target Kevin Gall has decided to move elsewhere but Downing says he remains undeterred in his pursuit of new faces.
"Nicky Law can play on the right-hand side or in the centre," he explained.
"This was his third game this week so it was tough for him but it was good to have him down here to have a look at him.
"Kevin Gall has decided to go to Lincoln City. It's frustrating but his wife is from the north and he wants to stay closer to there.
"Craig Pead was going to play but he pulled out on Friday because he has another year at Brentford and wants to continue to pursue things with them.
"There are still two weeks to run until the start of the season and I'm still keen to get new faces in. I'd like three or four players by the end of August if I can get them and there will be no let up in the efforts to achieve that.
"We've missed out on some players but not for financial reasons. All three players we've approached have decided that they wanted to remain in the north for family or personal reasons so we have to respect that and move on to other targets."
Downing's men remain unbeaten in their seven pre-season games to date and followed up the creditable 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion last week with another 1-1 result against Southampton.
Youth team players Theo Lewis, Marley Watkins and Josh Emery made second half appearances with Lewis scoring the equalising goal six minutes from time.
"There were a lot of plusses for us," said Downing.
"We had a few trialists out, senior guys in different positions and some young players coming off the bench and they were probably the highlight.
"Young Theo got a terrific goal that showed a maturity beyond his age. The youth set up is vital to the football club because we don't go spending big money on players and it gives me food for thought as well because the youngsters are there, waiting and ready to learn.
"I think we'll be seeing more of the young guys in the reserves this season because I won't be looking to play so many of the senior players in those games. The aim for people like Theo Lewis, Marley Watkins and the others is to become regulars in the reserves and then push on to get into the first team squad."
Trialists Nicky Law (Sheffield United), Former Swiss Under-21 international Gregory Duruz and ex Margate player Ryan Martin all played in midfield against the Saints. Downing said that he would be deciding over the weekend whether to invite them back for Tuesday's pre-season friendly against Bristol City at Whaddon Road.
Meanwhile, the club's latest transfer target Kevin Gall has decided to move elsewhere but Downing says he remains undeterred in his pursuit of new faces.
"Nicky Law can play on the right-hand side or in the centre," he explained.
"This was his third game this week so it was tough for him but it was good to have him down here to have a look at him.
"Kevin Gall has decided to go to Lincoln City. It's frustrating but his wife is from the north and he wants to stay closer to there.
"Craig Pead was going to play but he pulled out on Friday because he has another year at Brentford and wants to continue to pursue things with them.
"There are still two weeks to run until the start of the season and I'm still keen to get new faces in. I'd like three or four players by the end of August if I can get them and there will be no let up in the efforts to achieve that.
"We've missed out on some players but not for financial reasons. All three players we've approached have decided that they wanted to remain in the north for family or personal reasons so we have to respect that and move on to other targets."
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