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Saturday, March 01, 2008

Ex-QPR: Baidoo's Arrest...Kanyuka Eager to Play...Leeds Interest in Ex-QPR Man...Shimmin, Donnelly and Waddock

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Ilford Recorder
"... Meanwhile, Managing Director Steve Thompson has confirmed that striker Shabazz Baidoo was arrested after Saturday's 2-0 victory over Morecambe.
The reason behind the arrest remains unclear, but Thompson said: "Shabazz was taken to the police station straight after the game where he was questioned for four hours and then released pending further enquiries." Recorder

re Pat Kanyuka SWINDON ADVERTISER/Anthony Marshall - Pat's pain for the Town cause
THE five-inch scar across Pat Kanyuka's forehead is testament to a man who admits to putting his head where other players wouldn't dare put their feet.
And the former QPR defender has vowed to play through the pain barrier in order to keep his place in the Town side and prove his worth to the County Ground fans.
Kanyuka's war wound came during his Town debut at Luton in January, but it will take more than bumps, bruises and the occasional stitch or six to keep the 20-year-old from giving up his place in Maurice Malpas's starting line-up.
"I've had loads of knocks in the two games I've played, but I just want to get up and carry on because I don't want to give the manager an option to take me off, thinking I'm hurt and lose my place," said the Congolese centre-back.
"I've experienced that from the Luton game where I lost my place with the head injury.
"It took me about four or five games to get back in the side, so I don't want that to happen again.
"No way do I want to give my place up - not intentionally anyway.
"The only way I'd give it up is if I'm limping off the pitch with only one leg.
"I give 100 per cent every game and put my head in places that some people won't put their feet - that's what the manager's going to get out of me."
Softly spoken off the pitch, Kanyuka is anything but that on it and he has impressed in his two Town appearances with a couple of commanding displays.
The former QPR defender was brought into the starting line-up at the expense of Jerel Ifil for the 2-2 draw at Oldham in midweek, but he revealed that the County Ground faithful are yet to see the best of him.
"I sort of saw the change coming. Everyone can see what's happening on the pitch and it was a bit frustrating to be sat on the bench for a few weeks," he said.
"But I'm a new signing and I know I'm not fully fit yet.
"The manager's got my best interests and I trust him in that.
"I'm always hoping he will play me and I hope to repay his trust by giving him good performances.
"You're always going to be a little bit rusty, but I don't really accept the performance I gave on Tuesday.
"The manager said I did well but I know how I can play, and the best is still to come.
"I'm not sure if the fans will see it this season because there's not a lot of games to go, but my message to them is to bear with me because I've got a lot to offer to this football club." Swindon Advertiser

Swindon Advertiser/Anthony Marshall - Kanyuka draws battle lines for place with pal Ifil
PAT Kanyuka has warned pal Jerel Ifil that he has a battle on his hands to regain a spot at the heart of Town's defence, and believes that healthy competition can only be good for any potential County Ground promotion push.
The 20-year-old arrived in Wiltshire in January following his release from QPR, and made his debut a week later in the 1-0 win away at Luton.
However, a nasty head wound picked up in that game, which required six stitches, meant the big Congolese defender was forced out for the best part of a month.
Kanyuka returned to first team action against Oldham on Tuesday and is determined to make himself a regular in Town's back line until the end of the campaign, including against Leeds at the County Ground today (2pm).
"Jerel knows that he's going to have to fight to get his place back," he admitted. "I'm alright with him - we get on fine - and there's no hatred between us. It's just football and you're going to get that.
"I've been at clubs where there's players playing ahead of you. It's your job and if you're not performing then someone else comes in.
"Healthy competition brings the best out of you and I hope it will bring the best out of both me and Jerel." Swindon Advertiser


BBC - McAllister still wants Freedman
Leeds United manager Gary McAllister is still trying to sign Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman on loan.
McAllister has been trying to negotiate a deal with the Championship club for the 33-year-old former Scotland international to come to Elland Road.
He told BBC Radio Leeds: "I'm speaking to Neil Warnock quite a bit about Dougie Freedman.
"He falls into that category of the type of player that I want to try and bring here."
Freedman is currently combining a playing role at Selhurst Park with managing the reserves.
The former Wolves and Nottingham Forest frontman has made 18 appearances for Palace this season, scoring twice.
But McAllister admits that if he added Freedman to his squad some Elland Road players would have to go on loan.
"I've got a big squad, probably the biggest in the league.
"There's a few that we're looking to go the other way, that's what happens."
"It's just the numbers game, two come in and maybe two, three or four might have to go the other way," he said. BBC

SKY SPORTS/Lewis Rutledge - Warnock unsure on Freedman
Palace boss to hold talks with striker

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is to hold talks with Dougie Freedman in a bid to sort out his future.
The 33-year-old veteran has only made four starts for Palace this season as he is also working as a coach for the Palace reserves.
Leeds boss Gary McAllister is reportedly interested in bringing him to Elland Road to boost his side's promotion bid.
Warnock is eager to keep hold of Freedman but admits he is unsure what the player will decide at this stage.
He explained: "We will have a chat, but I can't say any more until I've spoken to him." SkySports


With Gary Waddock managing, and Scott Donnelly scoring as Aldershot defeated Crawley in extra time 6-2 during mid-week. Dominic Shimmin presumably didn't hurt his chances by remaining on the Crawley bench during this defeat! Report and Aldershot Report