New-signing Moran hands Leese selection dilemma

Jan 26 2012 By Matt Lewis

CHESHAM boss Andy Leese says new signing Ryan Moran has given him a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hitchin Town.

The 29-year-old defender joined United earlier this month from Southern League rivals St Albans City after becoming disillusioned with life at Clarence Park.

Moran made his first start for the Generals in last weekend’s 4-2 victory over Stourbridge, with regular centre-back Rob Bartley ruled out through suspension.

Leese’s admiration for Moran stems from his brief spell as manager of Borehamwood and he has attempted to sign the
defender several times since then.

And having finally captured the former City man’s signature, the Chesham chief admits he now faces a tough decision on whether to recall Bartley to the United backline.

“We brought him in a couple of weeks ago,” explained Leese. “We knew he was available and managed to get him from St Albans but I know all about him.

“I’m delighted for him, he’s an experienced player. I had him when I was at Borehamwood briefly but I have tried to sign him a couple of times since then.

“He has given me another dilemma at the back now. I will have to see how we do but on today’s performance [his debut against Stourbridge], Bartley is going to find it hard to work his way back in.”

The Generals will travel to Hitchin Town this weekend as they continue to push for the Evo-Stik Premier Division play-off places.

Prolific former Chesham marksman John Frendo, who already has 17 goals to his name this season, will be lining up for the Canaries.

Leese would not be drawn on whether he will keep faith with Moran in defence but insists his side have a plan to contain the striker.

“I went to watch John Frendo last week,” he said.

“He’s excellent and we need to keep an eye on him.

“He’s a class act who got about nine goals in 17 games in the year we came up – he gave us a leg up to get us promoted.

“John can get all sorts of goals. He’s a great finisher and a great poacher but we know him well.

“The players have trained against him before so let’s hope they can deal with him.”