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GARY SEARCHING FOR A WING-MAN

Posted on: Tue 24 Nov 2009

Gary Johnson admits City are looking to recruit a left-winger but insists it won't be easy to bring one on board.

At tonight's stakeholders meeting, the City boss was quizzed about the lack of replacement for Michael McIndoe on the left-flank after the Scotsman switched to Coventry City in the summer.

In reply, Gary said: "At the time it was right for Michael McIndoe to move on and then the search was on to find another left-sided player who could affect the game. Michael did that at the start but not near the end of his time here.

"There aren't many players like that (left-sided, left-footed) around, and we are aware of that situation. We also don't have cover for Jamie McAllister.

"We are extensively looking for the right left-sided player to give us balance."

He continued: "Chelsea don't play with wide players and they don't do too bad.

"Back in the day there were more wide players around. A lot of teams now play 4-3-3, rather than 4-4-2, which can leave you open.

"If we do find the right one we'll bring them in. It's not that I don't want to play wingers. The best wingers are the ones [other teams] don't want to let go anyway. I promise we're looking."

"Chelsea don't play with wide players and they don't do too bad."
Gary Johnson
Gary claimed City fans had yet to see the best from Alvaro Saborio and David Clarkson, both signings earlier this season.

On Alvaro, Gary said the travelling involved in Alvaro's international commitments had worked against the Costa Rican.

Continuing to discuss Scotsman David, who arrived from Motherwell in the summer, Gary said: "He's fully fit now after his illness and I feel his best position is just behind a main striker.

"He works hard and at the moment because of his illness, we're having to give him more training sessions because he's not a natural athlete.

"He has to be at this full fitness to show his best. He's a good finisher and we need to get him into the area for him to finish; the right ball at the right time.

"With all due respect to the SPL, there's only Rangers and Celtic up there as are strong opposition, so he's needed to find his Championship legs. The jury may be out on him amongst the supporters, but we feel he will get goals for us. Look at Nicky Maynard."

At the meeting, Gary reiterated the club's position on Adriano Basso, who is out of contract in the summer. He also tipped Stephen Henderson to step up to the plate if Adriano leaves in the summer.

"Adriano's very strong in his views. If I put him in the team he'll give everything. Hopefully one morning he'll come in and ask to sign the contract but it hasn't happened yet," said Gary. "Hendo's nearly ready but not quite yet. He's a very good goalkeeper and if we lose Basso in the summer he'll come through."

Read all of Gary's answers from the Stakeholders Meeting in our exclusive online blog.

Try mobile.bcfc.co.uk - City's award-winning official website is now available on your phone, for when you're on the move.

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