Jordan Rose believes Liam Chilvers is key to success
AFC Telford defender Jordan Rose has hailed the influence of fellow centre-back Liam Chilvers following his arrival earlier this season to help cover a defensive crisis.
The players have formed a virtually ever-present unit in the back four since Chilvers moved to the New Bucks Head on a short-term deal last month.
Rose had previously played alongside Dan Preston, Michael Briscoe and Chris Blackburn before all three partnerships were curtailed by suspension and injuries.
The former Stockport County stopper, who was expected to start today's FA Cup clash with Nuneaton, admitted that it has been difficult adapting to playing alongside so many different partners in his 13 games for the club this season. But he said that the presence of Chilvers, an experienced campaigner at Football League level with Notts County, Preston, Colchester, Port Vale and Northampton, had been a big help.
"He is solid. He really does help me a lot because at times when I lack that experience and I am a bit erratic and running forward he holds it down for me," he said.
Rose added that despite upheaval to the defence this season, there have been encouraging signs that the rearguard is becoming tougher to beat in recent games.
"When we beat Dartford last Tuesday I said it finally felt like the back four was starting to become a unit and we are starting to understand each other," he said.
