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TWO places are waiting to be filled on Sheffield Eagles' hit-list ahead of the new season. Chief executive Mark Aston is targeting a top-class centre and a back-rower - ideally an experienced loose forward. After a frantic period of signings Aston is in the final stages of talks to complete the 2006 squad. Last week was the first for two months he did not agree a new contract with a player but the hunt is still on.
"We are talking to plenty of people," he said. "We are still looking for a centre and I'd like another back rower or loose forward. I have a couple of offers out and we are trying to finalise them. A lot of clubs are still looking and talking to players at this stage. Players and their agents are still a little bit up in the air so we have to wait. But we're well placed - we have 23 players and all we need now is another couple and then we'll be happy."
Sean Dickinson - in his second full season in the professional game - is the only regular loose forward in the squad An experienced loose forward, with the match turning skills that Richard Goddard gave the side until his retirement last season, is the priority. But Aston can afford to be choosy with a number of players in the current squad able to take on the role.
He added: "We have lots of options - we've got Martin Ostler, Nick Turnbull, Andy Smith, Craig Brown, Greg Hurst, Sean Dickinson and Craig Poucher - who can play 13. It's the same at prop forward where we're got Martin Ostler, Craig Brown, Jack Howieson, Paul Fletcher, Simon Morton, Tom Buckenham - plenty of options. That's what we need because we want to be able to rotate people, keep them fresh and have a good squad."
09 November 2005 - Sheffield Star
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