| Chairman Hails Howell | ||||
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 SAINTS chairman Ian Ridley has paid tribute to David Howell at the end of a busy week which has seen four quality new players arrive at the club ready for Saturday’s home game against Evesham United.Ridley believes it could mark the turning point after a patchy start to the season and wants fans to back the quartet, thus playing their own part in helping to turn fortunes around. Howell has signed Queen’s Park Rangers duo Michael Harriman and Mo Shariff on loan, along with Peterborough left-back Nathan Ralph. The three youngsters are complemented by experienced Wealdstone central midfield player, Chris O’Leary. All four come straight into the squad for tomorrow’s important Evo-Stik Premier game at home to Evesham (kick-off 3pm). “We have had a tough few weeks,” Ridley admitted. “None more so than David Howell. “David had to build a new team from scratch in the summer for a club in gloom that had been relegated in financial disgrace. “He did a great job initially in putting together an entertaining side to bring the feelgood factor back to Clarence Park but in recent weeks, the flaws in certain areas of the squad have been highlighted. “Being a loyal guy, he wanted to give certain players the best chance he could to prove themselves but came to accept that changes needed to be made. “Now this week he has acted decisively and done what was necessary. I have been impressed by his strength of personality through all this and by the way he has used his extensive knowledge and contacts in the game to bring us the qualities of talent and attitude that we need.” Ridley is particularly grateful to Neil Warnock at QPR for allowing two such quality players in Harriman and Shariff to drop down to the Southern League. “Once Neil agreed, David worked really hard to persuade the two lads to come to Clarence Park,” added Ridley. “To be honest, I am surprised, but delighted that he managed it because I am aware of how high they could play. I saw the two of them train on Thursday night and I can tell fans they are in for a treat. “I don’t want to alert too many people to what we have here, particularly the opposition, but I can say that I expect plenty of scouts to be down at the Park looking to take them to Football League clubs on loan in the coming months as the two continue their development towards the QPR first team, for whom Michael has already played. “It says much for the two boys’ attitudes that they have been willing to join us rather than just play reserve team football. “With Nathan Ralph returning at left back, and Chris O’Leary coming into midfield, what we have is a quartet of players who will breathe new life into the team and improve the areas that have looked a bit short in recent weeks. “Some of our players have looked a bit lacking in confidence in the last few games but I believe the new boys will help them rediscover it. They will, I hope, enable those already here to show that they are good players and that we do have a nucleus of very talented individuals already at the club just waiting to gel as a team. “I do hope supporters will come in numbers for the Evesham game because this manager and these players deserve support. I am sure that those fans who do come will leave realising that they are witnessing the early days of some very promising and exciting playing careers.” Ridley has been aware of the concerns of fans in recent weeks but hopes that this week will signal the kick-start of the Saints’ season as more changes are made. Nathan Haisley has left the club this week, with Will Viner also joining Harrow Borough, and other departures could follow. “Of course I have heard the criticisms and concerns, as has David. And we both share them,” said the chairman. “But we knew this would take time to get right. This club has been in the doldrums and while the club’s owners Lawrence Levy and John McGowan, along with the board and Supporters’ Trust, can turn that around off the field with new initiatives, it is less predictable getting it right on the field. “David is working very hard to do that and has done outstanding business this week. I hope fans will accord him and the players the support they deserve as he and they give their utmost to deliver us the results we all want.” |
| Last Updated ( Friday, 11 November 2011 12:51 ) |
