Schofield eyes Baggies partnership
JOHN Schofield is aiming to link up with West Bromwich Albion on a regular basis after landing midfielder Joss Labadie on a month's loan yesterday.
Cheltenham Town's acting manager captured his second signing and is also hoping to recruit a central defender ahead of next Tuesday's home match against Barnet.
Labadie (right) scored for Shrewsbury Town in their 2-1 victory at the Abbey Business Stadium on September 29.
Schofield fought off competition from several League One clubs to bring him to Cheltenham, whose association with ex-boss Keith Downing, now involved in the youth set-up at The Hawthorns, may have helped his cause.
"It is a big coup for the club and if Joss does well, there will perhaps be other West Brom youngsters coming here for first-team football," Schofield said.
"I know Keith Downing from coaching seminars and from pitting our wits against each other and this could be the start of a relationship between the two clubs."
Schofield was keen to emphasis to supporters that he is biding his time in an attempt to sign a higher quality central defender, rather than rush into signing a player who would not improve the Robins' first team.
"The loan deadline is next Thursday and I am in the race to sign a couple of centre-backs," Schofield said.
"We need players who are going to improve the team."
Labadie, 19, has been with the Baggies for three years.
He scored five goals in 13 starts for Shrewsbury.
He also spent time on loan at Shrewsbury last season but the move was cut short by a metatarsal injury.
"We are starting to create a bit of competition for places by adding a couple of players of quality to the squad," Schofield said.
"It gives us a few more options and gets that little bit extra out of everybody.
"Joss will certainly improve the team. He has played League Two football and is bang up to speed and ready to go."
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by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Sunday, November 22 2009, 3:47PM
“Steve - I wouldn't be too keen if it did happen - but can you see Cotts really coming back, considering the mess we are in? I hope I am wrong.”
by steve, prestbury
Sunday, November 22 2009, 3:33PM
“Richard!!! please do not even joke about JS getting the job full time.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Sunday, November 22 2009, 3:20PM
“After letting several MA loanees go back to their clubs and the fact that he has signed 2 loannes himself - it's looking to me like JS may get the job Full Time until the end of the season - Could there be a big shock in store next week?”
by Chris, Cheltenham
Saturday, November 21 2009, 11:14PM
“Am I the only one who is just as worried about this story as the one which hints Allen may be staying?
Schofield is clueless and the thought of him staying sends shivers through me.
I shall be clear then - if Allen returns or if Schofield gets the job, my family and I will be binning the season tickets and won't be coming back.”
by Bill, Glos
Saturday, November 21 2009, 9:43PM
“Haven't bothered to read the article, but does this mean that Schofield, who on results is WORSE than Allen, (and that is saying something) is going to be staying with us, because if he is then i'm not???”
by Steve, Cheltenham
Saturday, November 21 2009, 6:54PM
“Selling spirits on RyanAir flights? What does that have to do with football?”
by Big John, Cheltenham
Saturday, November 21 2009, 2:40PM
“Please Allen Leave Our Club! Your not wanted.. Bring Back Stevie C”
by Edwards45, Texas
Saturday, November 21 2009, 2:27PM
“Chris FOD, I usually agree with your comments, but not this time. I know its only for a month initially, but Schofield HAD to go for him, read the article again, because he would have been snapped up by a number of L1 clubs and if not them he would have been playing against us in L2 causing havoc, so I say well done JS. Also, why do you think Keith Downing wont do us any favours? Yes he was sacked, but he knew he was going anyway, he was hardly going to resign and lose out on his contract money. Anyway he returned with West Brom for a pre-season friendly and he got a great reception, as most fans felt sorry for the way that he went, so he appreciated the fans for that. I'm sure he still has a great affection for CTFC, so why not help us out? West Brom are a long way from Cheltenham Town in footballing terms , so I think he will be more than happy to help us out.
To all those how said "great, thats all we need, is another mid-fielder", if Josh proves to be just a big hit as Ben Marshall, then it could be a mini masterstroke by John Schofield.”
by Stephen Hambles, Cheltenham
Saturday, November 21 2009, 9:47AM
“Martin Allen is still officially manager of Cheltenham but his assistant in an acting role has bombed out 5 of his players!
What does that say about Allen's judgement? And I have to say in one apperance Ben Marshall performed better than all of Allen's loan signings put together!
Good stuff Schoey, keep up the good work.”
by Chris, FOD
Saturday, November 21 2009, 9:46AM
“Labadie will be a good signing no doubt about that but 1 month is a waste of time. Granted it may be a rolling one month contract but the club nor the player knows whats happening and cant plan a great deal in the future. We need to start putting out the sam starting 10 or 11 week in week out and 1 month loan signings arent gonna allow that.
Also cant see why KD would do us any favours!”