Baird's waiting game

By Wendy Gee -

WITH just a fortnight to go before the start of the Blue Square Bet South season Eastleigh manager Ian Baird is still fine-tuning his squad.

The Spitfires boss had been optimistic of completing his 2011/12 line-up following Tuesday’s 2-1 friendly win at Sholing. But with trialists like Jordan Rose and Ryan Tafazolli still hopeful of breaking back into the Football League and a couple of loan deals for Championship players currently on ice, Baird could still have holes to fill in the side by the time Eastleigh host Saints under-21s this Wednesday (August 3rd, 7:45pm).

I thought I’d know the squad by now but you’re in the lap of gods where agents are concerned,” he said.

"I’d agreed a deal to take a couple of loan players – one aged 18 and one 19 - out of a Championship club, but their agents have told them they can play higher.

"There’s been no problem with the Championship club. They’ve been very helpful and have tried to steer them in our direction, but you have to question the advice some of these young lads get from their agents.

"But there’s no panic. There will still be players around in a week or so.

"We’re playing a waiting game at the moment."

One player Baird is keen to snare is 22-year-old former Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Mike Green, who was outstanding in Tuesday’s 2-1 friendly win at Sholing.

Having released the experienced Jason Matthews in May, Eastleigh urgently need competition for ex-AFC Totton keeper Gareth Barfoot. And 6ft lin Green, who played four times for Rovers’ first team, appears to fit the bill.

But Green, too, is keen to stay in the professional ranks and is also on trial with npower League Two club Cheltenham Town.

Speaking after the Sholing game, Baird said: "I really want to sign a keeper and Michael had an excellent game. He’s got a very good attitude.

"Michael’s still on trial at Cheltenham and, once again there’s the financial aspect to consider.”

Green was one of several trialists in action for Eastleigh at Sholing.

Baird took another look at Portsmouth’s Billy Tsovolos at right-back, while former Stockport County defender/midfielder Rose partnered Tom Jordan in central defence.

The Spitfires also took a look at Jersey-born ex-Saints and Salisbury winger Jack Boyle, who played on the right of a midfield four, and former Salisbury and Forest Green midfielder Ryan O’Hara.

Ex-Saints central defender Ryan Tafazolli did not feature, he is currently on trial at Reading and Baird went to watch him in action for a Royals XI against Newport County earlier that day.

Eastleigh continue their pre-season build-up away at Oxford City tomorrow (Saturday, 2pm).

They could find themselves up against experienced ex-Saints and Oxford United striker Steve Basham, who signed for the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division outfit last month.