LEE CLARK has handed his existing players the chance to lead Town to promotion after the loan transfer deadline passed without any business being done.
The Galpharm manager, preparing for tomorrow’s key home League I clash with Charlton Athletic, had two definite frontline targets, but both will be staying at their current clubs.
The Football League window shut at 5.00 last night, with Charlton landing experienced former Liverpool goalkeeper Tony Warner, Brighton striker Nicky Forster and West Ham defender Matt Fry.
Clark explained: “I could have signed a striker without too much trouble, but I didn’t want to do it simply for the sake of it.
“We had identified two targets, but in each case, their clubs wanted to keep them for their own run-in to the season.”
Clark confirmed Leicester’s Steve Howard as one of his wanted men, but quashed reports of a bid for Forster’s Brighton teammate Glenn Murray.
And he added: “I wasn’t interested in letting any of my existing squad out on loan, so it’s a case of as you were, and I have full confidence in the players here.”
Clark admits that with Liverpool loanee Nathan Eccleston completing a three-match ban tomorrow and fellow frontmen Lee Novak and Robbie Simpson ruled out through injury, the matchday 18 against Charlton will “pick itself”.
And there seems little need to change the starting XI after seventh-placed Town reinvigorated their play-off quest with last Saturday’s 2-0 win at Leyton Orient.
The chance to cut the gap on fourth-placed Charlton to just three points provides a huge incentive for Town, who have top scorer Jordan Rhodes chasing his 20th goal of the season.
Theo Robinson, in line for a first Galpharm start since the goalless draw with Stockport County back in September, seeks an 11th after registering alongside Rhodes at Orient.
“I was delighted with the way Theo played,” said Clark.
“We know what an asset his pace can be, and while he was very lively throughout, his finish was excellent.
“So was Jordan’s, and it’s good to have both strikers on the scoresheet, because getting goals in what they thrive on.”
