Buckle searching for a leader at the back

Hatters boss Paul Buckle has confirmed he is searching for a new centre half during the January transfer window, writes Mike Simmonds.

Town shipped another three goals against Woking on New Year’s Day, making it 36 conceded in the league this season, as their overall goal difference is easily the worst of the top six sides.

It is becoming a serious concern for Buckle now too and he will be making moves to rectify the situation, despite confirming Simon Ainge’s permanent move from AFC Guiseley this week.

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Speaking to the press this morning, he said: “Centre half is somewhere where, if you look at the third goal (against Woking), both our centre halves are not picking up and he’s got a free header from the penalty spot.

“I think a bit of leadership maybe, so those will be the two things I’m looking for.

“We’ve got to brush up and leadership and voice is a big thing in football. Sometimes it’s underestimated how important it is to keep picking each other up with their voice and it’s something we’re probably lacking.

“It’s not always easy to improve what we have, as you’re looking for a very good player. Sometimes if you are looking into the league, players are reluctant to drop out as big a club as we are and with the histroy we have, they’re reluctant to come out.

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“So you have to sell it to them. We’ve got three or four players we’re looking at, but again ‘its a waiting game.”

There was no further news on prime target Christian Jolley either as Buckle is leaving negotiations to managing director Gary Sweet as he focused on Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie with Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He added: “I don’t know about Jolley at the moment. The next couple of days I will leave that in the hands of Gary (Sweet) in the terms of phonecalls.

“I’m trying to focus on this (Wolves). There’s a lot of going on, we’ve got a lot to do in the next 48 hours so I’d rather put aside any ins and outs.

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“My phone’s non stop with agents and other managers asking questions, but I want to put them to one side as it’s such a big game for us.”

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