LoanWatch for season 2008/2009

[RG30]

Steve Claridge, in his Guardian column when he scouts a lower league player writes this week's article on Scott Davies;

Trying to analyse Scott Davies is like trying to solve an enigma. During the course of a match he can go from playing the role of the protector in front of the back four to being so far forward that he is getting caught offside, such is his eagerness to reach the ball over the top. That is fine as long as Davies, who is currently on loan at Aldershot Town, learns to ­balance his game and picks the right time to either hold his position or release himself forward.

In this regard, it should not be forgotten that Davies is still only a lad learning his trade and so will naturally do some really good things mixed with some things that are more ordinary. This was summed up best during Aldershot's 2–0 win against Lincoln at the end of last month when he slashed wildly at a bouncing ball with his weaker left foot and completely missed, before then in the very next move breaking forward, taking a first-time pass in his stride and whipping a fantastic cross into the box with the same foot.

Something that does really stand out about Davies' game is the distance he gets on headers from a standing position. He is also extremely competitive to the point of fearless when challenging for headers on the move. Another real plus of Davies' game is the quality of his dead-ball deliveries, particularly on corners from the left. He is able to whip in a cross with pace and accuracy and it was from such a ball that Andy Sandell scored Aldershot's opening goal against Lincoln on 36 minutes. The quality of the delivery proved too much for Rob Burch in the visitors' net.

Davies' ability to show his opponent one way or the other when defending in central areas according to the information he receives from his defenders is unusual but of great assistance to the people playing behind him. Less so, however, is the fact he only really gets tight to his marker when the opposition enter Aldershot's third of the pitch. This is something he really needs to work on as it can lead to his side losing ground.

But against Lincoln there is no doubt it was Davies' two moments of class, either directly or in­directly, that settled the match.

Having assisted Aldershot's first goal, he then scored their second on 60 minutes — and what a terrific effort it was. Davies followed a long diagonal pass forward from the back, the ball was headed down towards him and he took it into his path with a super first touch before then hitting a brilliant half-volley past the goalkeeper from 12 yards out. It was a goal to grace any match at any level.

Having all but tied up the victory for his side, Davies then concentrated on the more conservative side of his game to make sure Lincoln could not find a way back. He adopted a very deep midfield role to counter the man who had been pushed forward to play just behind the visitors' front two and did a very good job.

At 20 years of age, Davies is very much at the beginning of his career and, as mentioned, has weaknesses to his game that need addressing. But he is undoubtedly on the right path and judging by his manager Gary Waddock's reaction to his goal, the boss for one knows the value of Davies to his team.

[bishbosh92]

Alex Pearce off at half time - oh dear.

Shame we didn't let him play against us ....

Ha lol

Yh we might of beat Saints if they defended like that against us as i saw the highlights and they were awful at the back!!

[winchester_royal]

Andersen has gone to Brentford as cover while Hamer is suspended. Bignall is back from Northampton.

[Alan Partridge]

Andersen has gone to Brentford as cover while Hamer is suspended. Bignall is back from Northampton.

Only 1 game for Andersen but be interesting to see what the Brentford fans make of him.

[winchester_royal]

Andersen has gone to Brentford as cover while Hamer is suspended. Bignall is back from Northampton.

Only 1 game for Andersen but be interesting to see what the Brentford fans make of him.

Let's hope they rate him more than you do.

[Barry the bird boggler]

Andersen has gone to Brentford as cover while Hamer is suspended. Bignall is back from Northampton.

Would imagine he is rather likely to be called back this week..... can't see SC not having a sub keeper on the bench.

[Arthur Pint]

From the o/s about the keeping situation.

Our goalkeeping situation is slightly complicated by the fact that third choice Mikkel Andersen has joined Brentford on a week's emergency loan, and we will try to recall the Danish youth international if required.

Steve said, "First and foremost we'll assess Marcus' condition, then we'll make Brentford aware of the situation.

"We can't weaken ourselves to help somebody else. We thought we had two fit senior goalkeepers - but now if we've only got one available to us then the chances are we'll bring Mikkel back if we can."

[Barry the bird boggler]

Alex Pearce has been recalled by Reading, therefore expect him to partner Bikey on Saturday.

[Barry the bird boggler]

Alan Bennett's loan at Brentford has been extended until 29th January

Leroy Lita is unlikely to go out on loan again - least not while the transfer window is open.

[Barry the bird boggler]

David Mooney has joined Stockport for 1 month

[Hoop Blah]

BtBB...always first with the news!

I also hear we've signed David Lee on loan from Chelsea

[SteveRoyal]

David Mooney has joined Stockport for 1 month

Good news. I'm excited to see what Mooney can do, and what the Stockport fans think of him...

[Barry the bird boggler]

BtBB...always first with the news!

I also hear we've signed David Lee on loan from Chelsea

I'm making sure that the official loanwatch thread is updated with the information. That's why I'm now also repeating the fact that Murts has gone on one month loan to Charlton.

[Archie's penalty]

Stockport's game tonight has been called off so Mooney will have to wait for his debut.

[SteveRoyal]

Stockport's game tonight has been called off so Mooney will have to wait for his debut.

More preparation time!

[Barry the bird boggler]

Nicholas Bignall has joined Cheltenham Town on 1 month loan

[Platypuss]

Golbourne's gone to Oldham for a month.

[SteveRoyal]

Mooney missed out on Stockports 3-1 win due to a dead leg picked up in the Swindon game.

[loyalroyal4life]

Mooney missed out on Stockports 3-1 win due to a dead leg picked up in the Swindon game.

his loan spell gets better and better

[SteveRoyal]

Mooney missed out on Stockports 3-1 win due to a dead leg picked up in the Swindon game.

his loan spell gets better and better

As does Murty's, who has also been injured on loan in the last match.

* Oh, and Golbourne joinging Oldham means he could come up against Mooney on Saturday!