Shots vs Farnborough Town

Last updated : 08 July 2005 By Stray Shots Team
Aldershot Town fans will be cheering on some familiar faces at the Recreation Ground on Saturday when defender Mark Peters and striker Jamie Taylor return to take on Farnborough Town in the Charlie Mortimore Benefit match.

Boss Terry Brown will be running the rule over the duo as they line-up alongside first-teamers like Gary Holloway, David Lee and Tarkan Mustafa, as well as new signing John Brough.

And as Brown explained, ex-Leyton Orient star Peters could be a potential partner for the experienced centre half at the heart of the Shots defence.

“It would be a very experienced pairing, but I need to see how they would work together and if there's enough legs in there. Brough has got the voice like Warbs but I don't know whether he'd be better suited to playing alongside someone quicker and younger.

“I feel that Mark Peters didn't really get a good chance when he was here on loan because of the injury, so that is something I need to check. Jamie Taylor is also coming up to play, and we'll be looking over some other youngsters,” said Brown.

Tim Sills and Nikki Bull will not feature after their recent operations, while Steve Watson who is still deciding on his Aldershot future, is also recovering from his operation.

Former Farnborough Town and ex-West Ham striker Bertie Brayley will also be trialling in a Shots shirt, while Andy Glasspool will be performing between the sticks.

The boss cast his eye over potential recruits last weekend in a behind-closed-doors trial game, which yielded no fewer than EIGHT possible signings.

“I'm delighted with that,” he told the Aldershot News. “I have to say I was surprised, last year there was one player that we thought could potentially be a signing, this year there's eight.

“I want to bring in youngsters that we can develop, keep at the squad and call on if necessary, those that will grow into key players. Loans will also be a big part of the squad, so there's a lot to look at over the coming weeks,” added Brown.

However, the boss stressed that he has not been in talks with experienced striker Paul Kitson, despite rumours that the former Newcastle man is set to join the ranks at the Rec.

The boss has though had his troops in for a training session of a different kind this week as he looks to piece together a title-challenging squad.

Brown had the boys in for a Pilates class on Wednesday afternoon!

The boss now has two main objectives to achieve from Saturday's match, checking the fitness levels of his current first-team squad, while eyeing up potential new faces.

“I want to give the lads their first tentative run-out and look at four or five experienced players who will be coming down to try and earn a contract.

There will be youngsters to look at and there will be more to watch next week as well,” added Brown.

As for the cause the boss added: “Everyone at the club is chuffed to be able to help out Charlie Mortimore.

“Everybody I speak to about him absolutely worships the guy, he is a fantastic ambassador to football.”

With thanks to the Aldershot News.