Penney eyes wide boys

Jan 20 2008 by Darren Kelso, Sunday Sun

DARLINGTON manager Dave Penney is keen to add another winger to his promotion chasing squad – and Joe Colbeck could be the player he turns to.

The knee operation that striker Pawel Abbott underwent last week has forced the manager’s hand.

His current wide men Richie Foran and Julian Joachim may be needed to fill the gap left by Abbott.

“They can both play in attack,” said Penney. “In fact I think Foran prefers that role, though he is also happy on the left and is doing a great job for us there. He is a winner in whatever position he plays, and we are delighted to have extended his loan until the end of the season.”

Neil Wainwright, Martin Smith and Rob Purdie can all play on the wings, but none is the ideal solution.

Wainwright has not played for a couple of months because of an injury, and while he is now fit again, he is short of matches.

Smith is easing his way back after a long-term injury, and is not ready for more than 30 minutes action, while versatile Purdie may be needed elsewhere.

Colbeck, 21, was hugely impressive in a loan spell at Darlington earlier in the season, but has since forced his way into the Bradford side.

They are understood to want a big fee before they would be tempted to part with him, though Penney is likely to test their resolve with a cash offer.

The manager missed out on a striker this week, when his target was injured in training.

There is speculation that the man in question is former Hartlepool striker Adam Boyd, who held talks with Darlington in the summer, before opting to join League One side Leyton Orient.

He has been sidelined with a knee injury, but is nearing full fitness again.