Cod Almighty | Article

by Paul Ketchley

26 August 2006

Time was when Town prospered by picking up quality players who, for one reason or another, raised doubts in others' minds. Richard Smith's back, Clive Mendonca's thigh, Trevor Whymark's hair and Paul Futcher's age were all against them when they joined. They all came good and hopefully so will Nick Fenton.

Fenton began his career with Manchester City and comes with a good-looking pedigree. As an ex-England Youth international he played alongside Alan Smith, Mathew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate, but seems to have lost his way since going on loan to Bournemouth (who use terms like "ex-loan star"), Notts County and more recently Doncaster Rovers. Allegedly we'd have preferred Georges Santos back, but in turn he preferred the delights of Brighton to those of Cleethorpes.

Replacing 6' 7" Rob Jones won't be easy when you're only 5' 10", but then if you've got pace and awareness that may not matter too much. Height isn't everything – just look at Ben Futcher, and who'd turn down a young Peter Handyside lookalike? Finally, let's not forget that Graham Rodger was himself a centre-half and ought to know one when he sees one.

A quick, mobile centre-back is just what we need, especially if he can bring the ball forward in Handyside fashion out of defence. So Fenton may be just the ticket to steady the ship at the back and provide some intelligence and leadership in front of a goalkeeper who looks decidedly nervous at the moment.