Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Barton Town Old Boys manager Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson is taking no chances with his returning star Barton Town Old Boys players for the rest of the season
Ash Dexter, Scott Phillips, Louis Kirk, Gaz Barlow, Brad Ricketts and Alex Sherwood are fit to play, but Anderson is edging on the side of caution in case they suffer a relapse. All six have picked up a serious injury at some point this season.
“We have decided to leave them out so they are ready for next season,” Anderson said.
“We are not going to win the league or go down so I think it is the right thing to do. I don’t want them to come back too early and then not be ready for the start of next season.
“The physios who are looking after Louis Kirk and Scott Phillips through their rehab have said if they come back too early they could break down on heavy pitches or because we’re playing Saturday-Tuesday-Thursday.
“What’s the point of risking of these players? What it does do is give us the chance to look at some of the fringe players.”
Anderson, one of the longest serving managers in the NCEL, has committed to a seventh full season in charge of Barton, despite his toughest campaign yet.
He has to cope with a serious injury crisis plus numerous off-the-field issues.
“We’re already starting planning for next season and hopefully the club will get itself sorted because we still haven’t got a chairman or a match-day secretary,” Anderson added.
Barton are away at Bridlington Town tomorrow.