Search for
Search for
Search forFootball: Leek boss Johnson vows to ring the changes
Friday, November 14, 2008, 09:00
Up to six players could be replaced from the starting line-up which slipped to a 2-1 loss at Stamford Town on Saturday.
Defenders Carl Allen and Nick Ward will start at the weekend, along with midfielder Richard Bailey, who returns following a two-month spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Goalkeeper Steve Hodgson is also in the running for a place in the starting 11.
"I have given plenty of chances to a number of the players and there will be changes," declared Johnson.
"Some of them will probably be unexpected. But the players have been given a decent crack of the whip. I've confidence in them, but results speak for themselves."
In addition to the returning quartet, the Leek manager also hopes to make three further signings ahead of Saturday's game.
Town have served the official seven days' notice of approach to Newcastle Town and Congleton Town for midfielder Andy Bourne and defender Wayne Brotherton respectively.
Brotherton, aged 28, began his career at Port Vale before moving on to Biddulph Victoria, Alsager Town, Kidsgrove and subsequently Congleton.
Bourne was a target for Leek Town last term, but the influential midfielder chose to stay for Newcastle Town's title challenge.
Johnson is set to speak to Bourne tomorrow (Thursday) and the Blues boss also has his eye on former Town player-of-the-year Paul Booth, who remains out of favour with Leigh Genesis.
He added: "We could have five or six fresh faces for Saturday. I won't make changes for changes sake, but the lads coming back and the potential new signings should strengthen us."
Meanwhile, Johnson insists he is under no pressure from Town officials despite his side's disappointing slump in form.
"I recognise that there is pressure – but I haven't felt any from the board," said the Blues boss. "But for me personally, as a player and a manager, I'd be daft not to think there was pressure because the results speak for themselves. But two wins will get us back up there.
"With that in mind, I'm not going to start panicking. We have played a lot of the top teams in the division. I'm trying to get the right players in, not just bring new ones in for the sake of it.
"But I'll take a scrappy 1-0 win against Stocksbridge on Saturday to hopefully turn the corner."
Match reports: Page 62
Comment on this story