Eagles boss swoops to bolster defence
Bedford Town have bolstered their defence for the forthcoming season by signing two new defenders.
Boss Nick Platnauer has revealed he is bringing former Kettering Town U18 player Dan Crowie and Ollie Wilkinson on board for next season.
Bedford Town lost their latest pre-season friendly 2-0 at Barton Rovers on Tuesday night through goals from Danny Payne and Geoff Baffo.
It made it a hat-trick of defeats in the last week, following a 2-0 home loss to the Steelmen on Saturday, Vierra (69) and Miller (72) getting the goals, and a 1-0 home defeat to Cambridge United last Wednesday, Michael Gash scoring a 69th-minute winner.
But Platnauer remains confident his side will be ready for their opening Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division encounter at home to Leamington on Saturday, August 18.
He said: “I’m confident. I think last night we gave them two goals., although the first was extremely well taken.
“At times we had plenty of possession without looking threatening.
“We are getting there. It is frustrating as regards being a bit more clinical and lethal and potent in front of goal. We cannot make mistakes at the back as well.
“There’s still 10 days or more until the start of the season.”
On Crowie, who can also play in midfield, Platnauer said: “He played well last night and he listens and learns and makes mistakes like everyone else.
“For an 18-year-old he was the one that stood out.
“He will be signing for us. He will be a good addition to the squad. He is keen and no trouble and wants to be a footballer.
“I’ve been impressed with him and his attitude.”
And on right-back Wilkinson, he continued: “His attitude has been good. The acid test will obviously come in the first four games of the season.”
However, a number of other trialists are set to be released, with Platnauer saying: “There’s one or two who will not feature, but that will become apparent in the next few days.”
Town visit Hinckley United in their pre-season friendly on Saturday with Platnauer likely to name a side that will resemble his preferred team.
He said: “I think it will be another test. We will have as strong a squad as we can. One or two players will be back who were missing last night.
“We want to finish as high up the table as we can and we’ve got to do better than what we did last year.
“If we do it will be a good number of points and hopefully we will be in the mix.
“It’s a very strong league this season and if you speak to the other managers I’m sure they’re of the same opinion.”
And he could strengthen further in the coming weeks, adding: “There will be players at other clubs who become available in the first two or three weeks of the seasons.”
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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