Source: Northern_Echo
Foster denies Todd rift
STEVE FOSTER has denied a rift has developed between himself and Colin Todd and called on his team-mates to rally behind the manager who’s still searching for his first league victory since taking charge at The Northern Echo Arena.
Todd last night secured experienced goalkeeper Russell Hoult on loan from fellow League Two side Notts County and is hoping to push through a deal for a right back to bolster his defence.
Quakers boss watched Sunderland Reserves at home to Burnley on Tuesday evening with Consettborn right back Michael Kay believed to be the target.
Todd has fielded 21 different players this season and club captain Foster has found himself a victim of the manager’s constant reshuffling as he tries to discover his strongest line-up.
Pressure is mounting on Todd to reverse a run that’s yielded just one point from seven league games. While Foster admitted he has been frustrated to play second fiddle to Matt Plummer he dismissed rumours he had fallen out with Todd.
“Without a doubt the squad are fully behind the gaffer,” confirmed the captain. “We are only seven games into the season and it’s important we keep belief in what he is trying to do and don’t lose our focus.
“There have been some chops and changes and I’ve sometimes found myself a victim of those changes.
“But I can reassure fans there is nothing else going on, the gaffer has made his decisions, picked his sides. I’ve got to get my head down and prove I’m worthy of a start.
“I had three months – from the end of last season until now – when I could have moved elsewhere.
The fact that I’ve not played much in these first few weeks doesn’t mean I’m going to throw my dummy out of the pram and ask to move.
“If you’re not in the side then you’re not going to be happy. But it’s up to you to train hard and put your name back in the hat to be selected again.”
Todd confirmed that concerns over David Knight’s form led him to move for 36-year-old Hoult, who was County’s Number One until they signed Kasper Schmeichel from Manchester City.
“I’ve had to look at the goalkeeper situation because of the position we’re in,” said Todd. “If David (Knight) was honest, and I know he is, he’d probably have to admit that he hasn’t done as well as he should have.
“It’s been a difficult baptism for the lad, but I think the time is right for him to step back and take a breather, and for me to take him away from the pressure. I’m sure long-term he will be better for it.”
