Keith Curle on the January transfer window
Manager Keith Curle took a look ahead to the January transfer window at his latest press conference where he revealed that talks had opened with Newcastle United about defender Macaulay Gillesphey.Speaking first about the impact a good cup run can have, he said: “In the business plan we put together at the start of the season we didn’t include any money from cup runs. That means anything we get from that route is a bonus so, depending on how we’re balancing the books, the club will make an amount available.
“Being able to go into the transfer market with the availability of money is massive. How much you actually spend can be dependent on how the players are performing, and what happens between now and when the window opens.
“I think the quality we’ve got in the squad is very good. I’m happy with the size of it, but there are players who aren’t getting the game time so that might be an area where things can change. Sometimes that might be my choice and sometimes it might be down to the player and their representatives.”
“There was interest in David Atkinson before he picked up a slight niggle,” he explained. “He’s back in training now. Depending on how this week goes we’re going into a period of games where we’re playing Saturday-Tuesday, so we’ll need a full complement of players. David has been working hard with his rehab and the work load he’s put in has been fantastic. The only thing missing from his week is competitive football on a Saturday.
“Patrick Brough was the same. He’s still training with us on a daily basis and he’s got a spring in his step because he’s played two lots of 90 minutes. I think they’ve drawn one and won one, and he’s had very good feedback from the management staff there.
“Part of Patrick’s development is that he needs to be playing competitive football. He wasn’t getting that here because of how well we’re doing. I’m not going to apologise to any players who aren’t playing because there’s a reason why - predominantly the people in their positions are doing better.”
And on the possible extension to Gillesphey’s half season loan, he said: “John Nixon and Nigel Clibbens have made contact with Newcastle United. We’re trying to open up negotiations to find out what their intentions are because he’s their player. I think Macaulay has settled in and, as far as loan moves go, it’s what he required.
“He’s playing competitive games at a competitive level for a team at the right end of the table. If it was down to me I’d sign him permanently.”
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