Grimsby Town manager Neil Woods wants to sign Steven Watt
GRIMSBY Town manager Neil Woods wants to sign trialist Steven Watt.
But the Mariners boss has set a deadline of early next week to secure the 25-year-old former Ross County centre-back's services.
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Watt, who began his career at Chelsea, has impressed in two of the Mariners' pre-season friendlies; the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday and the goalless draw at Gainsborough Trinity.
But there is competition for the 6ft 3in defender from clubs in Scotland and in the Football League.
Woods said: "We would like to sign Steven, but there's a lot of interest in him.
"We are in conversation about a deal but there is competition from Scotland and from clubs in League One and League Two.
"He's enjoyed his time with us but there's a lot of work that needs to be done.
"We need to have a deal confirmed by Tuesday or Wednesday.
"We're hopeful the situation can be resolved over the weekend."
Woods feels the Scot would strengthen his back four – recently rocked by a hernia injury to Rob Atkinson – ahead of a busy fixture list at the start of the Blue Square Bet Premier season.
He has summer signings Darran Kempson and Scott Garner available, and Youth skipper Mark Gray and Bradley Wood are further options at centre-back.
But Woods feels the former Aberdeen-born player's presence would be a valuable addition to his squad.
He went on: "He's a composed player with good positional sense.
"Whether its Darran, Scott, Peter (Bore) or Bradley playing alongside him at the back, they are all young lads and Steven would provide a calming influence."
Meanwhile, Town's first team have been hit by injuries ahead of tonight's Lincolnshire Senior Cup clash against Lincoln City at Blundell Park (7.30pm).
Lewis Gobern and Mark Hudson both picked up knocks at Gainsborough and have joined Charles Ademeno, Atkinson, Kenny Arthur and Adrian Forbes on the treatment table.
Lee Ridley, Lee Peacock and Nick Colgan are also doubts.
Although Bore trained yesterday, Woods will be forced into playing a younger side.
The Town boss said: "Unfortunately we've got a team on the treatment table at the moment.
"We will probably have to play the younger lads again.
"As a result, we will organise another one or two friendlies behind closed doors.
"We had every intention of giving the seniors another run-out.
"Their injuries are just niggles, nothing serious.
"But there is no point in risking them. It wouldn't be worth it if a muscle strain turned into a tear, and into a serious injury."
11 Comments
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by Healing Mariner, Healing
Saturday, July 31 2010, 8:05AM
“Your right Dave, I am not chuffed about it. In fact it hurts me every time I enter blundell park t realise we are not going to watch town vs bolton, sheff wednesday or west brom but I am tied in for life. But as bad as the times get I still believe that we will come good again.
The bad times are what make the good times so much better. But to experience that then you need to be around for the bad times.
I have faith in Neil Woods
UTM”
by Dave, Hull
Friday, July 30 2010, 7:33PM
“Agreed Healing Mariner, all the people spouting hot air on here about what needs to be done and moaning about the same points. I'm not exactly chuffed with our position and haven't been for the past 5 or 6 years but spouting the same rubbish on here doesn't help, it just bores. I'll be supporting again this season as every season, I can't help it, unfortunately I'm tied in for life, that's how it works.”
by Healing Mariner, Healing
Friday, July 30 2010, 5:16PM
“Ha ha and you think by you moaning on here or by one person not renewing his season ticket then that's going to make all the difference.
If you want those people out put the money up if you cant then shut up. I'm sorry but its far too easy to come on here moaning about people but they are putting the money in. Without Fenty you haven't got a GTFC
You support your club through the highs and the lows my friend and if you don't want to support them then just don't go to the games its simple.”
by andy carr, humberston
Friday, July 30 2010, 5:08PM
“Got to admit i am concerned about the Gobern situation especially with the fact that when i saw him the other night at Gainsbrough i though he looks an excellant signing if he can stay fit....out of anybody he stood out for me until he went off as for Watt im with you Dave you normally go on trial to get a club not go on trial and then decide if you want to stay!!”
by john, clee
Friday, July 30 2010, 3:18PM
“you stupid person. it is precisley what gtfc need. they need to convince people to return to the club but they wont with their stupid actions. get real you idiot, gtfc needs all the support it can get. it,s not a club designed for you saddo,s with nothing better to do. it,s for the whole community to follow but first it has to be sorted out and that means the departure of these fools running it. were do you want it to be in 10 years time. back in the league or the evostick league. my guess with fools like you giving your support to all the stupid actions by this board it will be the latter. i want change, it should have happened years ago with the departure of this useless chairman. he has done a great job getting to were we are hasn,t he.”