Paul Cox, manager of Blue Square North club Eastwood Town, has signed two 19-year-olds in former Crewe Alexandra midfielder Theo Stair and ex-Grimsby Town goalkeeper Ed Eli.
“Theo is an attacking midfielder who can play on the wings or behind the strikers, he has been training with us for the last eight weeks as I told him that he needed to improve his fitness, said Cox. “I first heard of Theo when I sold Junior Daniel to Crewe. At the time he was getting rave reviews but he has not realised his potential for one reason or another. However, I have decided to give him his chance now as he has worked really hard in training and possesses bags of technical ability with a lovely left foot.
“I wanted to bring in another keeper because of the injury situation with Ian Deakin, we are exposed in that position with only Jan Budtz being fit. Eli (pictured) has good references, is 6`4” and has just been released from his professional contract with Grimsby following a loan spell with Mansfield Town. He has also trained with us and like Theo, he is a local lad.”
Following the signing ex-Liverpool and Celtic defender Laurence Gaughan, this means that Cox’s latest three signings have all been under the age of 20. However, he is quick to point out that he also plans to bring in experienced players who are proven at this level or higher.
“I have said that I am looking to have a younger squad overall, with players that have the necessary desire and hunger to progress with the club. However, that doesn’t mean I am not looking to add experience - it’s about getting the right balance.
“It can be a bit hit and miss with the younger players, some may become the nucleus of the club going forward but others will fall by the wayside, so it’s important that we continue to look to at established senior players, but avoid those whose careers are on a downward spiral and are looking for their last decent pay day.”
Cox says that he will not be afraid to give the younger players their chance, if they deserve it, and asks supporters to give them as much encouragement as possible.
“If we bring in a few younger players with decent pedigrees, they do need to be given a chance. I want the younger players to be knocking on the door for a starting place and to take their chance when it arrives. Markel Bailey is young player that I have high hopes for, he has got a bit of stick off the fans for a few mistakes he has made, that’s understandable with the level of expectation at the club, but young players will make mistakes and its better to give them our encouragement and support.”
