Martin Allen speaks

Last updated : 15 August 2005 By Smallsy
Allen started off by mentioning the impressive performance by Bees youngsters against Cambridge last night and then announced that he had called up Aaron Steele and Charlie Ide to the first team squad.


Ide featured in pre-season but both have never played in a competetive game, boh players were allowed to train with the seniors this morning and will make the trip north with the team tonight.

As well as Owusu's call up Allen discussed the injuries of Alex Rhodes and Ricky Newman.

On Rhodes he said,

"We are looking for him to return around Christmas time but it is difficult to put an exact date on it, hopefully it won't be that long, he had extensive medial testing last week and has been given the green light to step up his training"

On his capitain Allen said,

"Ricky has informed us with advice from his specialist that he can begin full training next week. His operation went very well and it was not as bad as we first feared, Cheltenham Town in the League Cup is a possibility."

On tonights game Martin said,

"Our task has been made tougher with the loss of Oli and Tabby being away, means I am being forced into changing a winning team. I am confident the players that come in will be more than adequate and will play with the quality and passion to get us back to the top of the league."