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Osborn and Dillon can soften blows

Sunday, August 10 2003

If Hitchin Town are to lose both Matt Nolan and Dean Brennan, they could well have two ideal replacements already in their squad.

New signing James Osborn and striker Chris Dillon have been in such sparkling form in pre-season that manager Robbie O`Keefe is confident that the loss of two key players can be more than overcome.

"James and Chris are both very good players and their performances have demonstrated this to the fans. Both are only 19 years old and are still developing - they could be outstanding players," says O`Keefe.

Osborn has emerged as heir apparent to Ian Scott`s role as playmaker. Scott has also been in good form in pre-season, looking fitter than in previous years, and O`Keefe may see the next few months as the old master teaching the young apprentice a few tricks in the twilight of his career. "Ian is still an excellent passer of the ball and has a role to play in our squad. James has shown enough to convince me that he has a big part to play in our future. His passing and penetrating runs from deep could be crucial for us this season."

Brennan, a huge influence on and off the field, is suspended for the first seven games, so regardless of a move to Peterborough, he will play no part in the early weeks of the season. Osborn has slotted in well in pre-season and improved game by game. But just how much will Hitchin miss Brennan? "I`ve said it before and I`ll say it again, Dean is an excellent player who wants to get back in the pro game. In some ways, it has been a bonus to have him at Hitchin as long as we have. But we have to start thinking about life without Brennan. We will of course miss him, but I am confident we can replace him," insists O`Keefe.

And what of Nolan, O`Keefe’s protégé? "I have not factored Matt into my planning for this season," he reveals. "I knew we might lose him, he`s determined to make it and I think he will." But Chris Dillon`s form in pre-season has suggested that O`Keefe has a player ready and waiting to take up the challenge. "When people talk about our squad, they don`t mention Chris, I think because he arrived here in a relatively low key fashion. But his scoring record was good last season and he works very hard. As an all-round striker, I think he will link up well with either Andy Douglas or Carl Drew."

Existing players aside, O`Keefe is still looking to add to his squad should Nolan and Brennan depart. "There is some uncertainty about any deal with Peterborough for the pair, so at the moment they remain Hitchin players. If they go, though, we will look to bring in some players - but we won`t rush into anything, we could have the answers on our doorstep."