AFC Telford boss to check out Martyn Jackson
AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson will run the rule over Martyn Jackson when the out-on-loan midfielder plays for Stafford Rangers tonight.
Jackson will be playing for a new boss with former Telford coach Andy Mutch placed in caretaker charge at Marston Road after Greg Clowes was sacked.
Former Telford coach Andy Mutch has been placed in caretaker charge of the team and Jackson has been figuring regularly for Rangers, who are rock-bottom.
The former Manchester United and Burnley youngster, 19, could now get the chance to impress the man in charge at his parent club when Marine visit tonight.
Watson is keen to witness how the teenager is adapting to starting games in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, particularly with Rangers in such a struggle.
He said: "He's there for a month, which we can't really do anything about, but I am going to watch him tonight. I haven't had chance as yet.
"The lads are having a hard, fitness-based training session tonight, which gives me the opportunity to go and see Martyn play first-hand myself.
"I want to see how he is coming to terms with non-league football. The one thing I am sure about is that his temperament is good enough.
"Basically, he just needs to play on the front-foot and, with the quality he has got, he could become a really good player."
There's no recall option for the first 28 days of Jackson's loan, just when he could needed back at the New Bucks Head with a midfielder shortage looming.
Russell Benjamin starts a three-game ban after Saturday's trip to Bradford Park Avenue, while Alan Moogan is currently sidelined with a groin strain.
Jackson won't be back until Benjamin is two games through his ban, but Watson has identified a transfer target which could fill the void.
He said: "I am not unduly concerned as Russell is available for selection until next week and, until I find out more about Alan, it could be a non-event in the end.
"But we have said that we are a bit light on numbers in the middle of the park, so we may well look to bring someone in over the next couple of weeks.
"I have got a player in mind who could be an option, he's non-contract at the club he is at and is probably one that has slipped off the radar."
