25th February 2009

FOOTBALL: Injury worries for Magpies

By Stuart Broom

ACTING Magpies' manager Brian O’Donnell was disappointed that his side didn’t bring back all three points from Camrose.

Speaking after his side had fought out a scoreless draw at Basingstoke, O’Donnell said: “We should have had the game won by half-time, we had four good chances but their keeper made some excellent saves.

"We could have gone in a couple of goals up and it would have probably been game over.

"They did pick up after the break  and  Gareth (Stewart) made some super saves. I guess I would have settled for a point before the game based on their current form, but it was a bit disappointing but probably fair.”

O’Donnell went back to his old club AFC Bournemouth to bring  Steve  Hutchings to the Jewson on loan, and the young striker repaid his faith in him by putting in another solid display.

“Steve did well again, and could have had a couple of goals but for their keeper; it was good solid performance.”

O’Donnell would like to extend  Hutchings loan spell but is worried that the transfer embargo on the Cherries might mean they will recall him.

“Both Joe Roache and Eddie Howe have been kind enough to let him come on loan, and he has done very well since he has been here, but if he has to return then so be it.

"However his spell has helped the player, them and us. He has done a good job for us whilst giving him great experience and exposure at a competitive level, which will benefit Bournemouth long term.”

With the departure of both Jamie Mudge and Ryan Moss, Hutchings is the only recognised striker in the club.

“We need another recognised striker, and if Steve has to return them we will need two, but I am working on it.”

O’Donnell gave starts to 19-year-old right back Daniel Reeve who is on trial and 18-year-old winger Richard Whittingham who signed for the Magpies last Wednesday.

“Daniel gave a solid performance, whilst Richard was in and out of the game a bit. He had a decent first-half but drifted out of it after the break.”

O’Donnell who has been in charge for three games so far, admits he would love the manager’s job on a permanent basis.

“I would love the chance, and I hope that I can impress the chairman and show him I can do it.

“We agree that whoever gets the job should have time to sort out the team for next season as soon as possible.”

The Magpies have a number of injury worries ahead of their match at Team Bath on Saturday.

Kevin Hill picked up a knock against Basingstoke and was being assessed at training yesterday, whilst Mark  Jermyn will have time to get over his injury as he cannot play as he is suspended
Darren Watts was on the subs bench at Camrose despite his ankle injury which it is hoped will have cleared up by Saturday.

It is also hoped that the contractual problems involving Roy O’Brien and Danny Clay will have been resolved to enable them to take a full part in the match.

O’Donnell said: “A lot of managers complain about having sleepless nights wondering how their side is going to play. With the current situation I worry who is going to turn up on the day to play!”

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