Downing suffers new setbacks

KEITH DOWNING's transfer market misery has continued with two more targets rejecting offers to join Cheltenham Town.

The Robins opened their third successive Coca-Cola League One campaign with an eventful 4-2 defeat at Northampton Town on Saturday.

On the eve of the season, Downing had attempted to capture former Wrexham, Coventry City and Blackpool striker Andy Morrell, who chose to join League Two Bury, and York City winger Martyn Woolford, who has signed for Scunthorpe United.

With Bristol City's Kevin Betsy opting to switch to Southend United and experienced front man Geoff Horsfield training with Hartlepool United, Downing has been forced to rethink his recruitment strategy once again.

He confirmed he was one of up to six managers hoping to sign Charlton Athletic's former Forest Green striker Stuart Fleetwood on loan.

"I will be back on the phone and we are putting the work in so by the end of August I am confident we'll see four new faces," Downing said.

"I have had two clubs ask me to wait until after the Carling Cup first round this week, so maybe we can get people in by next Saturday.

"We are in the mix for these players, but getting them is another thing. We are working hard to try and get them, but they are not going elsewhere for financial seasons.

"We are offering reasonable money, but we will go again this week. We are looking across the country to try and find the right players for this club, but it's hugely disappointing when some go to a lower level."

Downing felt his threadbare team performed well for 65 minutes at Sixfields before the home side were awarded two penalties in three minutes, both of which were converted by Adebayo Akinfenwa to transform the complexion of the match.

He said: "It was a good game with a lot of chances. We did okay for 65 minutes and then we conceded two penalties and I thought their second one was dubious.

"I was pleased with our response and we pulled one back, but their fourth goal finished the game.

"I thought we were the better side in the first half, but conceded just before half-time. There was a mad 10 or 15 minutes, but in the main I thought the defence did pretty well.

"In the end, it was a game that fell away from us a little bit, but it's not all about the opening day."