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Midfielder still top of wish list

Jonathan Greaney
29/ 7/2003

AN EXPERIENCED midfielder remains top of the wish list for Dale manager Alan Buckley, despite being turned down by a number of players.

As revealed exclusively in Saturday's Observer, Buckley made an offer to an un-named player last week. But the target chose another destination, leaving the Rochdale chief to look elsewhere.

"It's the area we're still lacking in," said Buckley. "It's very frustrating that people keep deciding to go elsewhere. They are staying more local to where they live."

Buckley admitted, at Third Division level, it is difficult to persuade players to up sticks.

"We can't afford to relocate them, so they don't want to move," he added.

Former Tranmere and Huddersfield battler Kenny Irons has trained with the squad this week and could feature in tonight's friendly against Wigan Athletic at Spotland.

Buckley is also expecting to cast his eye over the talents of 21-year-old Robert Betts, who was released by Coventry at the end of last season.

"We're due to have a look at Robert some time this week," he said.

Matt Doughty is still mulling over his future after talks with the manager last week.

The young defender's contract ran out last month and he has trained and played for Dale without a new deal on the table.

"He's gone away to think about things," said his manager. "I expect to hear from him soon, possibly at the start of next week."