Post by Gas Go Marching In on Dec 12, 2016 8:31:49 GMT
Darrell Clarke has given no further clues to whether he will dive into the transfer market and add a new goalkeeper to the ranks in January.
The Bristol Rovers boss dropped underperforming Kelle Roos – on loan from Derby County for the season - in place of Will Puddy for Saturday's Sky Bet League One win over Bury and he now looks likely to give the latter a run in the side over the festive period.
But with the market for buying players close to opening and Clarke's overall opinion on Roos unclear, he wasn't giving much away on the keeper situation despite the fact he is clearly aiming to strengthen his team elsewhere in the New Year.
"The way I work is that Will has an opportunity now to come in and stake his claim - but everyone is on their toes and the players know where I stand. There won't be any let up," said Clarke.
"Will did everything I asked of him against Bury - I'm pleased for him. I think he makes a good save at 3-2 - it was good fingertips save."
Clarke added: "The January window is always difficult to do business, but I will be doing business in the areas I think need strengthening."
Clarke also moved to get a few other matters of his chest, including more on potential new players, the budget and a strange comment about football and getting the sack.
The back-to-back promotion winning boss made a strange gun to his head movement when talking about performances and being a manager.
But what I will say, and this is very important, let's get one or two things straight. Last season we had a mid-table budget and got promotion and this season we're probably at the minute going to improve in January. I've been given the go ahead for that. We're a bottom eight budget side.
"These boys are doing fantastic and these boys deserve the support they're getting. And we're getting fantastic support off our fans.
"But let's not forget things. I need to people to realise that this is what has happened. The facts. People don't like facts and they think Bristol Rovers are well supported. We just need to keep striving and the owners will give us their full support in January."
Clarke also explained why he dropped Chris Lines after the FA Cup defeat to Barrow, while also praising Hiram Boateng after his return to the team against Bury.
"Chris Lines hasn't been himself for over the last few games and has been excellent for the first part of the season but he has lost his way," explained Clarke. "Hopefully me leaving him out on Saturday helps him recharge because Chris is a fantastic player and has done fantastic for the football club. He will continue to be important to the club.
Clarke added on Crystal Palace loanee Boateng: "He did have a good game but he's got to do better without the ball. He is technically a good player but he has got to have awareness about him – it's an area I have asked him to improve on.
"What he does in defence duties will mean he plays more football for me."
Clarke also said Matty Taylor – who netted his 16th goal of the season in the 4-2 win over Bury – only trained for the first time on Friday.
Taylor was replaced with 20 minutes left of the game at the Mem in Saturday by Luke James and Clarke mentioned Taylor briefly after the match.
"He only trained on Friday so there was no point in pushing him and his calf muscle," said Clarke.
The Bristol Rovers boss dropped underperforming Kelle Roos – on loan from Derby County for the season - in place of Will Puddy for Saturday's Sky Bet League One win over Bury and he now looks likely to give the latter a run in the side over the festive period.
But with the market for buying players close to opening and Clarke's overall opinion on Roos unclear, he wasn't giving much away on the keeper situation despite the fact he is clearly aiming to strengthen his team elsewhere in the New Year.
"The way I work is that Will has an opportunity now to come in and stake his claim - but everyone is on their toes and the players know where I stand. There won't be any let up," said Clarke.
"Will did everything I asked of him against Bury - I'm pleased for him. I think he makes a good save at 3-2 - it was good fingertips save."
Clarke added: "The January window is always difficult to do business, but I will be doing business in the areas I think need strengthening."
Clarke also moved to get a few other matters of his chest, including more on potential new players, the budget and a strange comment about football and getting the sack.
The back-to-back promotion winning boss made a strange gun to his head movement when talking about performances and being a manager.
But what I will say, and this is very important, let's get one or two things straight. Last season we had a mid-table budget and got promotion and this season we're probably at the minute going to improve in January. I've been given the go ahead for that. We're a bottom eight budget side.
"These boys are doing fantastic and these boys deserve the support they're getting. And we're getting fantastic support off our fans.
"But let's not forget things. I need to people to realise that this is what has happened. The facts. People don't like facts and they think Bristol Rovers are well supported. We just need to keep striving and the owners will give us their full support in January."
Clarke also explained why he dropped Chris Lines after the FA Cup defeat to Barrow, while also praising Hiram Boateng after his return to the team against Bury.
"Chris Lines hasn't been himself for over the last few games and has been excellent for the first part of the season but he has lost his way," explained Clarke. "Hopefully me leaving him out on Saturday helps him recharge because Chris is a fantastic player and has done fantastic for the football club. He will continue to be important to the club.
Clarke added on Crystal Palace loanee Boateng: "He did have a good game but he's got to do better without the ball. He is technically a good player but he has got to have awareness about him – it's an area I have asked him to improve on.
"What he does in defence duties will mean he plays more football for me."
Clarke also said Matty Taylor – who netted his 16th goal of the season in the 4-2 win over Bury – only trained for the first time on Friday.
Taylor was replaced with 20 minutes left of the game at the Mem in Saturday by Luke James and Clarke mentioned Taylor briefly after the match.
"He only trained on Friday so there was no point in pushing him and his calf muscle," said Clarke.
