A Pair of Aces? (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

A Pair of Aces?

TOWN boss Andy King was hoping to conclude a double swoop for two Premiership players today.

The manager was keeping tight-lipped about the respective identities of those involved but it is understood both individuals are currently plying their trades at the same northern club.

Each deal is expected to be a loan arrangement in the first instance although there is the chance of permanent contracts being agreed during the second transfer window in January.

King has made no secret of his admiration for the array of talent Sir Alex Ferguson has at his disposal at Old Trafford, with Ferguson keen to loan out some of his young stars.

He also has strong connections at his beloved Everton.

The manager has targeted central midfield as a key area where he wishes to strengthen and still feels an experienced central defender would be a welcome addition.

Not that the manager was prepared to be drawn on speculation, however hard he was pressed.

He said: "I have been up to things and I should be more enlightened on Wednesday."

King was in the stands yesterday as Town reserves saw off Cheltenham 4-2 at the County Ground yesterday.

Young winger Ricky Shakes was utilised in a central striking role and netted twice in a match which saw the return of Stefani Miglioranzi and another run out for Nicky Summerbee.

However, while King was happy with 20-year-old Shakes' scoring contribution, he revealed that the club's forwards are effectively competing for one starting slot at Blackpool on Saturday.

The manager said: "We've got Jamie Cureton, Tony Thorpe and Christian Roberts, not forgetting young Andy Caton as well, for one place.

"At the moment Rory Fallon has got the automatic shirt if you like.

"I'm absolutely flying in that area (striking selection options) so the decision for the weekend really is who's playing alongside Fallon?"

Another 'plus' for King yesterday was the partnership at the heart of the defence which saw assistant boss Alan Reeves alongside summer signing Charlie Comyn-Platt.

The former Bolton youngster has seen his start to life in Wiltshire disrupted by niggling injuries and King was glad to see him get 90 minutes under his belt.

The manager said: "Playing alongside Reevesy will stand young Charlie in good stead. He (Reeves) still organises and talks better than anyone at this football club.

"Charlie has done a lot of good things in this match.

"What I'm trying to do is get competition for places, to have everyone playing at 100 per cent which is going to make us very difficult to beat. That can only make things better."

Gareth Whalley missed training yesterday although the manager was hoping he would have a virtually full squad to put through its paces at Wanborough today.