2:42pm Thursday 8th March 2012
FOUR Heybridge Swifts players have been approached by rival Ryman League teams.
Midfielder Russell Pond has signed for AFC Sudbury but Jason Willis and Danny Barber have rejected the chance to join Aveley and Sudbury respectively.
Now the club are waiting on Lauris Coggin, who has caught the attention of division one north play-off hopefuls Brentwood Town.
However, Swifts have taken on Leyton Orient scholar midfielder Michael Richardson.
“Our players are being approached left, right and centre,” admitted Swifts head coach Barry Lakin.
“I was a bit disappointed to see Russell go.
“We’re friends as well and, while I can see it from the player’s point of view, I had hoped he’d stay.
“It’s obviously good news about Jason and Danny and now we’ve got to wait and see what happens when Lauris speaks to Brentwood.
“I never mind players moving on if it’s the right move in terms of furthering and bettering themselves.
“But I have to say that, in my opinion, it would only be a sideways step to join the likes of Brentwood, Aveley or Sudbury.”
Swifts’ play-off hopes were severely dented after two straight defeats and they were held to a goal-less draw at third-from-bottom Great Wakering on Saturday.
“We’ll never say never, in terms of finishing in the top five,” said Lakin.
“But we know it’s a long shot now.”
Swifts lost out 3-1 at home to Harlow on Tuesday night and have another home game on Saturday, against Romford.
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