Critchell swap deal rejected (From Dorset Echo)

Critchell swap deal rejected

9:08am Thursday 15th October 2009 in Club News By Ky Capel

WEYMOUTH have rejected a swap deal for skipper Kyle Critchell from rivals Dorchester Town.

Magpies’ boss Roy O’Brien had offered an unnamed player in ex-change for the Terras’ influential captain.

However, caretaker-boss Ian Hutchinson turned down the offer and has now completed his first signing since taking temporary charge on Sunday – former Weston-super-Mare striker Josh Llewellyn.

Of the approach for Critchell, Hutchinson said: “Roy O’Brien’s been in touch about the situation with Kyle.

“There’s no way I want to lose him – he’s a talented local lad and one of the first names on the team-sheet. “Things are affecting him at the moment with the interest from Dorchester. His mindset isn’t right and he’s been honest with me.

“Roy has mentioned about doing a swap deal but there will be a price on Kyle’s head. Any deal would have to be right for the football club.

“I want Kyle here because he’s Weymouth through and through and will stay here until told otherwise. I desperately want him to stay.

“Hopefully he will be on the team-sheet on Saturday. Roy has offered me a player but it’s not something I wanted to agree to.”

O’Brien said: “We went about things the right way but it’s a non-goer at the moment.”

The deal to bring in Llewellyn sees Josh Klein-Davies head in the opposite direction.

Hutchinson added: “Josh Klein-Davies has joined Weston-super-Mare in a swap with Josh Llewellyn, who really impressed when he played against us earlier in the season.

“He leads the line well and works very hard, which is something we need. His technique is very good as well and he will improve the quality here.

“He’s going to sign non-contract terms and it will be good to get a fresh face in. He’s very sharp and has got pace, which is another key attribute.

“Changes have to be made in certain areas and up front is one of them.”

Hutchinson has also unveiled reserve-team assistant Andy Mason as his new right-hand man with Andy Harris, currently sidelined by a knee injury, set to provide extra help.

Former manager Matty Hale, who resigned on Satur-day evening, could yet be in the squad that takes on Dover Athletic at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Hutchinson said: “Hopefully I will have him available to play on Saturday. He’s someone I want in the trenches and he’s a great player.

“He still wants to play for the club and has the club’s best interests at heart. He’s gathering his thoughts but I’m hopeful he will be in the ranks.” n Dorchester boss Roy O’Brien insists Tom Mitchell still has a future at the county town club.

The midfielder, whose dad Eddie left the Magpies’ boardroom in June to become chairman at AFC Bournemouth, played for the Cherries’ reserve side on Tuesday in a 7-0 defeat to Bristol City.

O’Brien said: “It was simply so that he could get some game time. Bournemouth asked if they could use Tom and we didn’t have a problem with it.

“He’s contracted to us so he’s got a future with us.”