Ian's Osman Reunion
By Simon Walter - 
EASTLEIGH manager Ian Baird is hoping his defenders keep Russell Osman's son quiet during tomorrow's big FA Trophy tie at Chippenham Town.
Toby Osman, a 20-year-old striker, left Eastleigh in the summer and Baird has seen him score in his last two matches for the Southern Premier outfit, including a volley in a 4-0 win against St Albans on Tuesday night.
Baird has known ex-Saints and England defender Russell for several years.
He said: "I was Russell's record signing as Bristol City's manager when he bought me for £350,000 from Hearts and he treated me very well there.
"Toby was with us for a few months last season and is very enthusiastic but just couldn't force himself in with us."
The FA Trophy represents Eastleigh's last chance of a significant cup run following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Chippenham's Southern Premier rivals Oxford City last month.
But Baird is confident following his side's response to losing that third round qualifying tie, which has seen them win four of their last six matches and earn a draw against Dartford, having been 2-0 down with Ian Herring sent off, last week.
He said: "This is a very important game for both clubs, especially with £4,000 being available to the winners.
"Chippenham look a very competent outfit with a mix of younger and experienced players and they're up there challenging in their league.
"But we're also going in with a bit of confidence. We seem to have turned the tables after the FA Cup exit.
"The reaction to that result has been tremendous and we're coming off the back of a 2-2 result that felt like a win having played with ten men for most of the game."
Baird admits the signing of Michael Green from Port Vale has made a difference.
"Michael's given us balance," he said. "That had been a problem for us but he's got better and better and had his best game for us last Saturday."
Winger Chris Flood, who had been on loan from Dorchester Town, is set to extend his stay with Eastleigh by signing for an undisclosed fee, after being given the go-ahead to play in tomorrow's tie.
But Eastleigh will not be signing former Saints academy forward Aristoles de Carvalho, who has played for the club's reserve side recently.
Meanwhile, Eastleigh have received a second offer from potential investors.
The club's board will discuss their options tomorrow morning before deciding what options to recommend to their shareholders.
Toby Osman, a 20-year-old striker, left Eastleigh in the summer and Baird has seen him score in his last two matches for the Southern Premier outfit, including a volley in a 4-0 win against St Albans on Tuesday night.
Baird has known ex-Saints and England defender Russell for several years.
He said: "I was Russell's record signing as Bristol City's manager when he bought me for £350,000 from Hearts and he treated me very well there.
"Toby was with us for a few months last season and is very enthusiastic but just couldn't force himself in with us."
The FA Trophy represents Eastleigh's last chance of a significant cup run following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Chippenham's Southern Premier rivals Oxford City last month.
But Baird is confident following his side's response to losing that third round qualifying tie, which has seen them win four of their last six matches and earn a draw against Dartford, having been 2-0 down with Ian Herring sent off, last week.
He said: "This is a very important game for both clubs, especially with £4,000 being available to the winners.
"Chippenham look a very competent outfit with a mix of younger and experienced players and they're up there challenging in their league.
"But we're also going in with a bit of confidence. We seem to have turned the tables after the FA Cup exit.
"The reaction to that result has been tremendous and we're coming off the back of a 2-2 result that felt like a win having played with ten men for most of the game."
Baird admits the signing of Michael Green from Port Vale has made a difference.
"Michael's given us balance," he said. "That had been a problem for us but he's got better and better and had his best game for us last Saturday."
Winger Chris Flood, who had been on loan from Dorchester Town, is set to extend his stay with Eastleigh by signing for an undisclosed fee, after being given the go-ahead to play in tomorrow's tie.
But Eastleigh will not be signing former Saints academy forward Aristoles de Carvalho, who has played for the club's reserve side recently.
Meanwhile, Eastleigh have received a second offer from potential investors.
The club's board will discuss their options tomorrow morning before deciding what options to recommend to their shareholders.
Comments
Post a Comment