We caught up with Sean Ray ahead of this weekend league match to get some player updates
TYRONE MLOTSHWA
Tyrone has been an absolute bonus for us this season. At such a young age of 16, he has broken into the first team and already started to establish himself as a key member of our squad. His maturity belies his age and he has put in some excellent performances for us.
There are not too many 16yr olds playing at this level which is testament to how highly regarded he is at our club. As a club we are always striving to give our academy the platform needed to go to the next level, after a conversation with AFC Wimbledon last week, they invited Ty into training this week. After his first session, they liked him so much, that they have now offered him a full 8wk trial with them, with a view to earning a permanent move.
Wimbledon also asked if Tyrone would be available to play tomorrow for them and as a club, we have unanimously agreed that this is too good an opportunity for him, for us to say no. Therefore, Tyrone will not be available for selection for tomorrow’s game at Wingate. However, it has been agreed that Tyrone will be available for future fixtures during his trial to enable him to keep playing and learning at a good level for him.
As a club, we wish Tyrone well for his trial period and will support him throughout this process as best we can.
CALLUM BARLOW
After our mid week game vs Whitehawk we received a 7 day letter from them for Callum Barlow.
As you are aware Callum was brought in by our previous manager which makes this situation quite unique and not straightforward. Callum was assured that he would be starting and getting the regular game time he desperately needs, after being mainly a squad player at Bognor since the start of the season.
After an honest and positive chat with Callum, I could not promise him or any other member of our squad the guaranteed minutes that he wants. I feel that would be unfair to make promises I can’t keep. Whilst myself and Bobbi are looking after the team, each player will be picked on merit, and a system will be picked which gives us the best chance of getting positive results with players who deserve to play. At the minute, Dav is our number 1 striker and this won’t change unless form and work ethic are not at expected levels. This will be the same throughout the squad, and no one will be guaranteed their starting place.
As I club, we agreed to allow him to leave early as he didn’t want to be with us on the bench tomorrow and we see no sense in having a player with us, who had his eyes firmly on leaving. I wish Callum all the best for his future and thank him for his efforts during his short time with us.
