Richo targets fresh blood

Last updated : 09 December 2004 By Rob Davies
Richardson has a small transfer kitty to play with after the Magpies' recent FA Cup related windfall.

And, after previously stating he did NOT currently want to use the money, Tuesday night's 3-2 defeat at Grimsby Town changed Richardson's mind, particularly with Grimsby's three goals all being due to sloppy defending from the Magpies.

But, as well as looking to shake-up his error ridden defence, the Notts caretaker also - perhaps more surprisingly - wants to bring in a striker to bolster his attacking options.

Sounding worryingly like Gary Mills, he told the NEP: "If I can do it I want to do both, I still have my eye on one striker, but my priority is a defender.

"I am looking at potential targets, but I want to be careful. I want to bring in somebody who wants to be here, somebody who is going to be committed to Notts County - not just somebody who has been told to come here by their club.

"We have a Premiership striker we have been chasing for a while, which I hope to have some news on in the next few days.

"But, in addition to that, I'd like to get a 23- or 24-year-old defender, somebody who has a bit of experience, but who still has a lot of years ahead of them and a bit of enthusiasm."

The 35-year-old is worryingly short of defenders. Mike Edwards (cruciate ligament) is likely to be out for the season, while Richardson himself continues to struggle with a knee problem. Youngster Emmet Friars has also been out for the past two games with a groin problem.

First choice defenders Julian Baudet and Mike Whitlow have also been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks with various bumps and bruises, while Baudet is just one yellow card away from suspension.

This contrasts somewhat with Richardson's striking options, where he has 10-goal Glynn Hurst, Gavin Gordon, Matty Williams, on-loan Chris O'Grady and Shaun Harrad at his disposal.

NCM will keep you updated with all the transfer information coming from Meadow Lane.