Swans boss gets shirty

Sep 3 2008 By John Whitbread, Staines News

ANYONE who wins a shirt will keep it - if they meet the challenge.

That's the message from Staines Town boss Steve Cordery to his ambitious squad as they try to build on an excellent start to the Ryman Premier campaign.

A notable 2-0 win at AFC Hornchurch on Saturday put Staines into a challenging fourth spot ahead of last night's clash with Boreham Wood.

Young Dean Thomas replaced Gareth Risbridger - sidelined by a knee injury - for the victory in Essex, and is likely to keep his place for the home match against Dartford on Saturday and the short trip to Sutton United on Tuesday.

"I was really pleased with Dean and he played well enough to keep the shirt," said Cords.

"No one has a divine right to play. Those with the shirts right now have worked hard for them.

"I'm glad to see the other lads in the squad itching to get in because there is going to be a chance for everyone to shine in a very long and hard season.

"Marc Charles-Smith lost a little bit of confidence after he was played wide right in a couple of pre-season friendlies, but I'm sure he's going to come back with a bang."

Cordery expects to be without Risbridger and Andre Scarlett (ham-string), but does welcome back goal-keeper Louis Wells, who was unavailable on Saturday as he was attending a wedding.

"The lad we brought in (Corrine Brooks-Mead) did an excellent job, but it was always going to be a oneoff," said Cordery, who expects James Courtnage to be back fighting for his place within the next two weeks.

Cords was particularly pleased with the form of new striker Leroy Griffiths and scotched rumours that the striker was planning a move abroad.

He added: "He really appears to be enjoying it here, and I expect him to be around for the long haul."

* SATURDAY'S clash with Dartford will be a special day for six young Swans.

George and Harry Payne, Megan Hoggett, Liam Gunning, Harvey Woollands and Harley Yates will all be mascots for Steve Cordery's side.

All six children were helped out by St Peter's hospital's special baby unit, and there will be a bucket collection at Wheatsheaf Park.