Allen targeting Premier League talent
Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen is still hoping to add at least one Premier League youngster to his squad before the start of the season.
One of the success stories of last season was the arrival of 17-year-old midfielder Josh Payne from West Ham United.
He made 11 starts and two substitute appearances for the Robins, scoring on his debut against Stockport County and impressing onlookers with his quality and maturity.
Buoyed by his spell with Cheltenham, Payne went on to make two substitute appearances for the Hammers, against Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, before the season was out.
Allen is planning to use his contacts at the top level in conjunction with his persuasive powers to bring in a similar talent ahead of the new League Two season.
"We are looking a lot stronger than we were, but Premier League and Championship clubs are going to start letting loans out and I will put my finger on the pulse with that." Allen said. "I will be seeing if I can call on a favour and if I can get someone in for nothing, I will see what we can get.
"Josh Payne ended up playing in the Premier League last season and I had a lovely little letter from Gianfranco Zola (West Ham manager) thanking us for all we did for him."
Allen is confident any starlet who is lent to Cheltenham will benefit hugely from their experience and he works hard to keep the teenagers' feet on the ground.
"I like to show them how lucky they are to be at a Premier League club and show them what the real world is like," he said.
"We can help them develop and it will be a very good experience for them before they hopefully head back and step into the first team at their own club."
* Cheltenham will take on an Army Select XI as part of their Army training camp this evening (6.30pm).
Martin Allen is expected to field a predominantly young side, with former Chelsea youngster Jordan Tabor set to feature and striker Julian Alsop may also start to add some experience.
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by Alan, Cleeve
Friday, July 24 2009, 5:10AM
“Better MA than Sven Goran (now there is a (very wealthy) Clown) even though the latter is more a director of football.
I bet Notts County are locking up their wives, daughters and wallets.”
by Dan, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 23 2009, 8:18PM
“Agree with you there Ricco, but you wait until the season starts - no matter how well the lads do some people don't ever seem to be satisfied!”
by ricco, the shire
Thursday, July 23 2009, 5:25PM
“You need to get down and sample it for yourself then Graham. It's good and most are happy at the moment, mainly due to the lack of moaning, even taking into your pathetic attempt.”
by graham voice of the North, CTFC North
Thursday, July 23 2009, 4:59PM
“Forget getting players on loan I wonder if any teams would like to loan MA for the season”
by Danny B, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 23 2009, 2:14PM
“"Julian Alsop may also start to add some experience".
For experience read 'weight'.”
by Craig, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 23 2009, 1:16PM
“SGE, Nottingham - yet another example that people in Nottingham know nothing about football. I'm going to put a big chunk of money on migthty Cheltenham finishing above Notts County. Eriksson will ruin them. I hope.”
by diesledog, paddock
Thursday, July 23 2009, 12:38PM
“Never write off the Mad One.
Did you post this in Hooters?”
by SGE, Nottingham
Thursday, July 23 2009, 12:15PM
“From the headline I thought MA had already written off this season and was scouting players for next season in the Blue Square Premier as this is where CTFC are heading.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 23 2009, 8:40AM
“Clubs like West Ham and Spurs have excellent youth Academies and they teach footballers to play in the right way. Allen has contacts down that way as well, so it wouldn't surprise me if our long-term loanee came from either of these clubs.”
by cameron, taunton
Thursday, July 23 2009, 8:07AM
“i heard the other day that west ham have signed a very promising youngster from a non league club i think this is the player that martin allen should go after as west ham always sign or develop young players who play the game the way we all want to see it played well maybe not the ones who thought gavin caines was decent or couldnt see what class paul connor or josh low have”