Bit-part roles hold no appeal

9:18am Friday 25th April 2008

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DARREN Craddock and Stuart Elliott have been released because manager Colin Walker was unable to offer them regular first-team football next season.

The Minstermen pair had also asked to be informed about their futures as soon as possible, hence Walker's decision to let them go prior to tomorrow's final match of the season at Salisbury.

Walker said: "I don't think the likes of Stuart and Darren want to be bit-part players at their age and I had to be honest and say I couldn't guarantee them first-team football. If I am to bring my own players in, some had to fall by the wayside and they were the first to be told.

"They both asked to know as soon as possible and I said I would do that. That way the players might not be happy with your decision but at least they have been dealt with honestly.

"Darren did a steady job and was part of our good run when we played three at the back but I'm looking at bringing people in. When I first took over I left Stuart out of the first two games but he worked his socks off to get back in.

"He's worked harder than anybody on the training ground perhaps because he's not getting any younger and knows there will come a time when his career is going to finish.

"There were times this season when you saw him on the pitch and thought, five or six years ago, he would have been a terrific asset to the club. I'm not saying he couldn't do what I'm looking for next season but we need people who are able to play in different ways and I thank both of them for what they've done for the club."

With Walker firmly looking towards next season now, 17-year-old striker Adam Boyes could be handed his full debut at Salisbury tomorrow after scoring and impressing during this week's 2-0 reserve victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

The City boss said: "I'm currently deciding whether or not to experiment at Salisbury and Adam Boyes has put himself into contention for a starting place.

"He scored a wonder goal for the reserves and it might be the time for him to have that chance to show what he can do on a bigger stage from the word go.

"I've never been shy of putting youngsters in.

"I think what's happened in the past is youngsters have gone into the team and then come out and been forgotten about but I want to do it properly.

"Andy McWilliams came in and stayed in on merit and that opportunity is there."