Terry To Stay At The Rec

Last updated : 19 May 2006 By Stray Shots Team
In his article, Rob reports that Terry Brown was looking to re-assure his loyal army of fans of his commitment to the cause after a sensational week of comings and goings involving rival Conference clubs.

This week has seen the shock resignation of Mark Stimson from FA Trophy winners Grays, Jim Harvey parting ways with Morecambe after 12 years at the helm and former Farnborough boss Graham Westley announcing he is to leave Stevenage.

With the managerial merry-go-round in full swing, the boss was quick to dismiss speculation linking him with a controversial move to the Hertfordshire side and insisted that he is planning for the future with Aldershot.

He said, “There is no truth in the rumours whatsoever, I don't know where this has come from to be honest. I am 100 per cent committed to Aldershot and I'm looking forward to the new season.

“With regards to my contract, I am looking to get things right on the pitch first of all. If I can do that then I'm sure I'll sit down with the board and chairman and work that out.

“The board have backed me all the way with the budget they've handed me and hopefully we should be able to get in some new faces this summer to strengthen the squad for a promotion push next year.”

After signing up experienced left-back Darren Barnard for another season last week, Brown now has his sights firmly set on securing the future of David Lee, while talks are ongoing with Gary Holloway and Matt Somner.

Lee's return to the side will be like a new signing for Brown with the 25-year-old midfielder desperate to get back to first team action following his broken leg sustained against Canvey Island back in August.

The boss added: “David Lee should be signing this week and I hope that he will be a major player for us next year.

“I very much see him as our passing midfielder and it will be a big plus to sign him up.

“I am holding talks with Matty Somner and Gary Holloway. It's a hard one to call with them, we will have to wait and see what they decide to do.”

The club have also been linked with Barnet pair Giuliano Grazioli and Ben Strevens, while Canvey Island striker Lee Boylan is also available for transfer this summer after the Gulls dropped down from the Conference to Ryman League Div one (North) due to their financial problems.

The boss though has flatly denied any links with the free-scoring Boylan but gave a mixed reaction to stories linking him with the Barnet duo.

When asked about his progress in securing new faces for next season, Brown said: “Grazioli has a two-year contract with Barnet and is having talks with them at the moment. It is the club's decision what they want to do with him.

“Ben Strevens is not a player we are chasing and Lee Boylan is another that we have not contacted.

“However, we have made some progress with one or two potential signings but I do not envisage anything being signed this week.”

Brown stated earlier in the week that talks with up to 20 players were on-going, with loan favourite Jonny Dixon and young Bognor Regis striker Ben Watson definitely two of them.

Meanwhile, the manager also said he had expected Nikki Bull's exclusion from the England National Game squad for the Four Nations Tournament later this month.

He said: “Nikki got an injury at the end of the season and he needed to get some rest. This decision is very much a case of him getting some time off to rest and recuperate. I am sure that if he had been fit then he would have been playing.”

With thanks to the Aldershot News.