Observer Report

[Laz]

I spotted this on the Observer site...

 

RITCHIE HANLON has told want-away Tom Davis that he can leave Clarence Park - but only on the club's terms.

 

Davis, the midfield play-maker, handed in a transfer request after St Albans City were relegated from the Conference, and the appointment of Hanlon appears to have done little to change his mind.

 

Hanlon has spoken at length with Davis and stressed how he wants him to form a major part of his plans, but the manager insists he will not keep any player against his will.

 

"I've told Tom he can talk to whoever he wants but he knows if he goes there will be a fee involved," said Hanlon.

 

"The ball is in his court. I want him to stay, he's a very good player and if we get the right defensive midfield player alongside him then he will be a big players for us.

 

"I don't want him to go but if he doesn't want to be here then it will only upset the apple cart if he stays.

 

"He won't be going to anyone in our league, though, unless someone offers ridiculous money for him."

 

Hanlon has met the club's six other contracted players, including defender Gary Elphick.

 

"He will only leave if he can get a League club," said Hanlon on the club's Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season.

 

"I want him with us as he's as good a centre back as there is at this level. On the whole I've had good feedback so far and it looks like they all want to play for me."

 

Hanlon has made no secret of his desire to recruit a holding midfield player, a keeper and a left-sided midfield player.

 

In a bid to pick up a bargain, the former Rushden & Diamonds midfield man was at the Exit Trials - a series of trial games for all those players released by pro clubs at the end of the season - at Bisham Abbey on Tuesday.

 

"I've had tons of calls, texts, faxes and e-mails since I got the job," said Hanlon.

 

"Whether they are the right players for us I don't know but that is encouraging.

 

"I want to get the right blend and it's important we have a good core to the team.

 

"But I won't be rushing into anything. By the same token, I don't want to miss out on anyone, though."