Post by QPR Report on Apr 2, 2009 8:21:12 GMT
Evening Telegraph/Mark Lea - Ford is a gamble by Justin
Justin Edinburgh has taken another gamble in a bid to avoid a defensive crisis at Rushden & Diamonds over the final month of the season.
He has signed former QPR academy player Josh Ford – who will provide cover at right-back and centre-half – on non-contract terms at Nene Park.
He joined the first-team squad for training this morning having also attracted interest from Bournemouth and Salisbury City.
Edinburgh took a recommendation from QPR coach Gareth Ainsworth on the youngster – but admits he has not actually seen him in action.
The Diamonds caretaker-boss said: "Today will be the first time I've met the lad as, to be honest, I haven't even seen him train or play.
"So it's a gamble. But it won't cost us anything because the
window has closed for transfers and loan deals.
"This is an opportunity for him to show us that he will be worth a contract next season.
"At the moment we need cover as we are very light in that area – particularly if Simon Downer or Chris Hope picked up an injury.
"Curtis Osano won't play again this season, Michael Corcoran still has two matches to serve in his suspension and youth-team defender Jack Higgins chipped a bone in his toe.
"I thought Jack Beecroft stuck to the task very well at right-back against Grays Athletic on Tuesday in a position which is not familiar to him. He was up against a lively winger who was kept quiet.
"His was one of several good performances.
"You always want to do well against your former club and Downer showed that it really meant something to him while Hope backed him up all night."
The arrival of Ford also means a swap with another QPR youngster as Chris Arthur's one-month loan spell ended this week.
Edinburgh added: "He has gone back and it was another gamble which hasn't paid off directly.
"However, it did work by having an effect on Marcus Kelly who gave the right response."
The goalless draw at Grays saw a debut for non-contract midfielder Nicky McNamara who came on as a late substitute following his release by Hull City last month.
Edinburgh added: "He comes with good pedigree and he's here on merit.
"He has done well in training and it's a chance to earn a permanent deal."
www.northantset.co.uk/sport/Ford-is-a-gamble-by.5133631.jp
Justin Edinburgh has taken another gamble in a bid to avoid a defensive crisis at Rushden & Diamonds over the final month of the season.
He has signed former QPR academy player Josh Ford – who will provide cover at right-back and centre-half – on non-contract terms at Nene Park.
He joined the first-team squad for training this morning having also attracted interest from Bournemouth and Salisbury City.
Edinburgh took a recommendation from QPR coach Gareth Ainsworth on the youngster – but admits he has not actually seen him in action.
The Diamonds caretaker-boss said: "Today will be the first time I've met the lad as, to be honest, I haven't even seen him train or play.
"So it's a gamble. But it won't cost us anything because the
window has closed for transfers and loan deals.
"This is an opportunity for him to show us that he will be worth a contract next season.
"At the moment we need cover as we are very light in that area – particularly if Simon Downer or Chris Hope picked up an injury.
"Curtis Osano won't play again this season, Michael Corcoran still has two matches to serve in his suspension and youth-team defender Jack Higgins chipped a bone in his toe.
"I thought Jack Beecroft stuck to the task very well at right-back against Grays Athletic on Tuesday in a position which is not familiar to him. He was up against a lively winger who was kept quiet.
"His was one of several good performances.
"You always want to do well against your former club and Downer showed that it really meant something to him while Hope backed him up all night."
The arrival of Ford also means a swap with another QPR youngster as Chris Arthur's one-month loan spell ended this week.
Edinburgh added: "He has gone back and it was another gamble which hasn't paid off directly.
"However, it did work by having an effect on Marcus Kelly who gave the right response."
The goalless draw at Grays saw a debut for non-contract midfielder Nicky McNamara who came on as a late substitute following his release by Hull City last month.
Edinburgh added: "He comes with good pedigree and he's here on merit.
"He has done well in training and it's a chance to earn a permanent deal."
www.northantset.co.uk/sport/Ford-is-a-gamble-by.5133631.jp