Jonny Be Good For Tel's Chasing Shots

Last updated : 03 February 2006 By Stray Shots Team
Terry Brown is relishing the chance to put out “two proper strikers,” this weekend after finally bringing Jonny Dixon back to the Recreation Ground, writes Rebekah Wheller.

Following a long-running transfer-window saga, the boss got his man on Monday night as he signed Dixon on loan from Wycombe Wanderers until the end of the season.

With Tim Sills' departure last Friday, it was crucial that the boss landed the 22-year-old who scored seven goals in 10 appearances for the Shots while on loan last season.

“I'm relieved,” the boss admitted. “There was a risky time when we had Tim Sills off the books and Jonny not quite on them, but it has all worked out.

“He is a fantastic goal scorer and one of the best finishers I've ever worked with. I haven't had two striker all year and it's the first time I've been able to put out two proper forwards since Sills and Roscoe D'Sane,” added Brown.

With Dixon set to go straight into the squad alongside Leroy Griffiths for Saturday's trip to Stevenage, the boss believes it will be an intriguing partnership.

“We know how well Sills and Dixon played together but Leroy is a totally different player so it's going to be interesting to see how they work together.

“I'm not expecting miracles in the first week, I don't expect them to be a goal-scoring sensation straight off but I am more than delighted with Leroy, he has been a delight to work with.”

With Griffiths also on loan from Fisher Athletic, and the squad's third striker, Kirk Hudson on a week-to-week deal, the club can claim to have their striker situation resolved.

Worryingly though not one of these forwards is a permanent contracted player.

This, however, doesn't concern the boss too much, as he is already looking ahead to the summer transfer window.

“We have got the first option on Jonny and there's already a deal on the table, the only reason that would not come off would be if Jonny didn't enjoy his time here.

“With Leroy it's a bit different as he is Fisher player and if he continues to do well they might want to keep hold of him,” added Brown.

The boss confirmed that there had been no further plans to bring anyone else in before the closure of the window on Tuesday night, but admitted he may turn once again to the loan system.

“It was not as critical for us, as some other clubs, to get players in. We are pushing for a fourth or fifth finish after the way the season has gone, and we can always get loans in. We have until the end of March to bring players in, so although people panic about the window, we can still do loan deals,” added Brown.

The Shots have a 100% record at Broadhall Way, having beaten Stevenage 1-0 on their travels for the last two seasons.

In fact, Westley's side have only beaten Aldershot once, at the Rec last season, that by the same scoreline.

Earlier this year the Shots drew 2-2 at home with Stevenage when a late Tim Sills goal saw the Shots earn a point after Ryan Williams — then on loan at the Rec — had earlier netted.

“We have got a decent record there but we are under no illusion, we will have to be considerably better than we were on Saturday if we are to get anything out of the game.

“They have got a good home record and we know all about Adam Miller and then there's George Boyd on the other side.”

Ex-Shot Miller is one of a trio of new signings brought in by Graham Westley during the transfer window, joining from Championship side Queen's Park Rangers. Forward Eric Obinna joined from Reading while former Woking defender Luke Oliver made the switch from Yeovil in a £15,000 deal.

Brown added: “There is no bad feeling towards Adam at all, in fact we would have loved him to come back here, I think he'll get back into the League as he is good enough, circumstances just didn't work out at QPR.”

Stevenage are on something of a poor run at the moment, having taken just one point from a possible nine. After suffering the humiliation of a home defeat by bottom of the table Southport, they then picked up a point from their game with Woking, before losing at lowly Tamworth on Saturday.

Still, the Shots are still getting over their own humiliation at Altrincham at the weekend, but for both sides neither can afford to let many more points slip.

“I think there will be lots more slip ups by every team, Accrington Stanley seem to tbe the only team able to get a run going, everyone is beating each other,” added Brown.

Westley welcomes the return of striker Dino Maamria out with a back problem, while defender Ronnie Henry returns from suspension.

For Brown, John Brough and Lewis Hamilton return to contention, and it's likely the boss will be making some changes after their dismal showing at Altrincham.

With thanks to the Aldershot News.