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Towey: 'Loan market only for if we are desperate'

Towey: 'Loan market only for if we are desperate'

Callum Chadwick25 Jul 2019 - 16:30
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Co-boss on loan market, competition for places and his playing role this season

Taken from Widnes Weekly News

Kev Towey says Widnes will only use the loan market if they are desperate this season.

The Whites landed Niall Watson, Finlay Sinclair-Smith, Rhain Hellawell and Matty Waters via temporary deals last term as they recorded a 12th-place finish in their maiden Northern Premier League Division One campaign.

Widnes spent the first part of last season ground-sharing with Barnton as their traditional Halton Stadium home was brought up to FIFA artificial turf standards.

The co-manager believes this factor played a part on loan moves to bulk out their squad.

"We were forced down that avenue last year," Towey explained.

"We were playing away at Barnton and when we realised we needed improvement and we went out looking for players, no-one wanted to join us because of where we were playing.

"Add to that we were mid-table and we weren't attractive. We were only attractive for lads looking for a loan opportunity.

"This season we will only use it if we're desperate. And that's the way it was last year, we were desperate."

Towey is excited to see the competition for places between defenders at Widnes next term.

Danny Shaw and Sam Heathcote have both been signed this summer, with Joe Herbert, Phil Mooney and Mike Burke already at the club.

"Although we brought in two centre-backs, we've got Phil Mooney, Mike Burke has come back in good shape and Joe Herbert's come back in good shape.

"All our centre-backs are in good shape. We have five centre-halves so let the best man win."

Widnes have brought in Josh Klein-Davies, Lewis Buckley and James Steele to bolster the ranks at the other end, but player-manager Towey remains keen to play some role on the field.

"If I get to get minutes here or the odd game there, I'll be happy.

"If we win something, I don't care how much I play."

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