Tavistock thinking out of the box with player recruitment

ONE of the biggest problems facing grassroots managers here in the Westcountry is not only the success of others, but the pool of quality players available to improve squads taking that next step in their development.

- STUART JAMES

As a result, Tavistock manager Stuart Henderson admits to having to think outside of the box as he builds a squad capable of competing in Division One South of the Southern League this season. Two players, Enrique Tiamuna and Victory Odiaka, have arrived at Langsford Park and it is understandable that they are something of an unknown quantity.

Tiamuna, 19, joins after being released by Oxford United recently, while 18-year-old Odiaka was at Colchester United. Now, they are hoping to use Tavi to get back up the ladder and back into the professional game.

"The money for local players in my eyes is ridiculous really, it has spiralled, and even players playing at the level below - the money they are asking for is just not doable for a club like us," Henderson said.

"We have found other ways to get better value; we have two lads coming down from London, both have been at professional clubs in Colchester and Oxford and that works out cheaper than paying a local player what they are demanding.