Farsley Close in On Accrington Duo

JackPFarsley · 24-01-2008, 18:40

Farsley Celtic close in on deals for Accrington Stanley duo

By Wendy Walker
Boss John Deacey hopes to add two more players to his squad ahead of what he believes will be Farsley Celtic's toughest match to date at Throstle Nest tonight.
Celtic were closing in on deals to sign striker David Brown and centre-back Mark Roberts from Accrington Stanley ahead of the visit of Peter Taylor's Stevenage Borough along with the Setanta Sports television cameras.

Roberts, 25, has been a virtual ever-present for the League Two side this season while 29-year-old former Hull City striker David Brown has a wealth of Football League experience.

If Deacey can get them on board, to join on-loan Leeds United midfielder Scott Gardner and former Sheffield United man Georges Santos who were signed earlier this week, he will go into tonight's Blue Square Premier showdown against the second-placed side, kick-off 7.45pm, with renewed optimism.

Deacey said: "It's a very difficult game and I'll be pitting myself against a former England manager. But, hopefully, with the players we're trying to bring in we will be able to compete and put in a good performance, especially after the one against Kidderminster last Saturday.

"That still hurts now. We deserved something from the game - we deserved to win - but that's life."

Damien Reeves gave Celtic a 17th minute lead at the Harriers last weekend but they ultimately lost 2-1 to an injury-time strike.

It left them fourth-bottom in the table and with only one win - against Halifax Town over Christmas - in their last 12 Blue Square Premier outings.

Stevenage, in contrast, thumped Celts' relegation rivals Droylsden 5-0 in their last outing to keep up their pursuit of promotion in second spot.

The loss of manager Mark Stimson, who was later appointed as new boss of Gillingham, in October failed to derail Borough, who simply swooped for Taylor to replace him.

And Deacey admitted: "I fancy them to win the league. They are putting a very good squad together, one hell of a squad, and it's a very impressive set-up down there.

"They are an attractive side. They have players banging in goals like Craig Dobson and Steve Morison, who a lot of clu
bs are interested in.

"They lost a quality manager to the Football League but brought one in with even more quality. They showed their intent and I do fancy them to go into the Football League.

"It's going to be tough, but that's what the Conference is all about.

"But we are putting together a strong squad ourselves now, which is what we need because we have a hell of a lot of games coming up, though we still need a couple more additions if we are going to get out of this situation.".

Deacey was happy with Curtis Aspden's debut at Kidderminster, with the goalkeeper - signed from Hull City late last week - showing a commanding presence in his area.

The return to goal-scoring form of last season's leading marksman Reeves was also a boost.

 "I always knew he would be back among the goals," said Deacey. "And he tends to score in spurts so that's what we're hoping for now."

Redash · 24-01-2008, 18:49

I hope that's wrong. To let Mark Roberts leave, would be a terrible mistake by all concerned. I like Browny and think he is a good player, but if he wanted to leave I could understand, as he hasn't really had a chance.

maccawozzagod · 24-01-2008, 18:50

better bloody not be Mark Roberts! they can have my season ticket back if it is

ukcowboy · 24-01-2008, 18:59

Mark Roberts......NO, bloody rediculous if true.
David Brown, well I think He deserves to be playing, and as it seems He aint gonna be allowed to play here, then good luck to Him, go and prove Coley wrong!

yerself · 24-01-2008, 19:15

If he lets Mark Roberts go it will prove beyond all doubt (to me anyway) that Coleman has indeed lost the plot. In common with others on here I also believe David Brown deserves more of a chance than the 'Football Genius' has given him.

stanley convert · 24-01-2008, 20:04

I don,t want believe either player would leave to play for a side struggling to stay alive at the wrong end of the blue square prem but then again it would mean a certain start for Rocky every week god help us.

Redraine · 24-01-2008, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by yerself

If he lets Mark Roberts go it will prove beyond all doubt (to me anyway) that Coleman has indeed lost the plot. In common with others on here I also believe David Brown deserves more of a chance than the 'Football Genius' has given him.

David Brown has had plenty of chances to establish himself in all the time he has been with us, and has continually flattered to deceive. He is undoubtedly a good technical player but in my opinion is too lightweight on the ball and his closing down leaves much to be desired. It would be good to get him off the wage bill in my opinion.
Mark Roberts is a different kettle of fish completely and I would be very sad to see him leave, but having been subbed at an early stage in at least two recent games I wouldn't be surprised if he would welcome a move.

mab · 24-01-2008, 20:37

Celtic boss John Deacey will be able to call upon new signings tomorrow and these include Georges Santos and Scott Gardner. Along with the two confirmed signings, Celtic chairman Andy Firbank has today confirmed that the club are hoping to sign a centre forward and a centre back in time for the clash with Stevenage.
JUST BEEN ON CELTIC'S SITE i hope its not the TWO mentioned on this thread

Tin Monkey · 24-01-2008, 20:45

Brown has had chances to make his mark over the years, but he's been inconsistent to say the least. He's a good player, but he never really stands out.

If Roberts does leave us, Coleman better have a replacement lined up. It's ok signing this lad from Blackpool, but playing him with Williams isn't the answer to our defensive problems.

I can still see me running on the pitch before the end of the season and throwing my season ticket at Colemen in the dug-out!!

mab · 24-01-2008, 20:49

If Roberts does leave us, Coleman better have a replacement lined up.

you could always ask him that ???? tomorrow night in the crown

Tin Monkey · 24-01-2008, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by mab

If Roberts does leave us, Coleman better have a replacement lined up.

you could always ask him that ???? tomorrow night in the crown

It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

mab · 24-01-2008, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Monkey

It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

ok .but it would make a good question though..............

Revived Red · 24-01-2008, 20:58

It is beyond belief that we are allowing Mark Roberts to leave. He seems to have been treated badly, so, as others have said, it would not surprise me if he himself did want to leave.

Michael Welch, Julian N'Da, Mauro Almeida - and now seemingly Mark Roberts. Yet we are left with .... well, we all know who. How can we possibly have a reasonable defence when they are unsettled or simply not used?