Bonham buries past misfortune

Bonham buries past misfortune

Published Jul. 18, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam has targeted a top 10 finish in the Premier League next season under new manager Mark Hughes.

Adam struggled for regular first team football following his move from Liverpool two years ago but he has paid tribute to former boss Tony Pulis and the job he did for the club.

Pulis departed at the end of last season following a total of 10 years - over two spells - at the Britannia Stadium where he helped establish the club as a regular fixture in the Premier League.

"It's a fresh start for everybody and we look forward to it," Adam told Sky Sports News.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Tony Pulis has done a good job at this club and he deserves the utmost respect and credit.

"If it wasn't for him this club wouldn't be in the Premier League.

"So that's the way it goes and we look forward to a new fresh challenge and the top 10 should be a realistic opportunity for us."

The former Aston Villa coach left The County Ground last weekend and Tisdale, the longest-serving boss in the Football League, has been linked with the post.

But Tisdale has distanced himself and reiterated his love for the Grecians.

"I seem to get linked every time. It is my local club I suppose," he told the Express & Echo.

"I get asked this question every time and if anyone is going to persuade me to leave here, then it needs to be good because I love it here. It is a great place to work."

The 19-year-old has made just one senior appearance for Rovers since moving to Ewood Park from Everton's Academy in January.

Forrester was handed his debut by then Blackburn manager Michael Appleton in the FA Cup quarter-final replay defeat to Millwall in March.

He appeared as a trialist for the Shakers in the 15-0 pre-season rout against Cornish club St Blazey on Tuesday, scoring seven goals.

Rovers have given Bury permission for Forrester to play in this season's domestic cup competitions.

The former Wales Under-21 international spent time in the Conference Premier with Wrexham last season, winning the FA Trophy.

Town boss Graham Alexander told the club's official website: "Maxie and I had a conversation at the start of pre-season.

"He said he was looking for a loan move if he wasn't going to start. We both agreed. It's important to look after our players who are not playing regularly."

Former Stalybridge forward Jennings, 21, was signed by Laws' predecessor Alan Knill and failed to score in a dozen games as the Iron were relegated to League Two last season.

He was sent out to Conference Premier side Stockport in November 2012 and scored four times.

Laws told Scunthorpe's official website: "We've got to make some decisions regarding Connor.

"I have spoken to the lad and he probably needs to step out and go and get games somewhere else because I can't see him getting any game time with us."

The 19-year-old was thrown in for his Hornets debut against Leeds at the end of last season after first-choice Manuel Almunia was injured in the warm-up and back-up Jonathan Bond had to come off in the first half.

But Bonham's one and only Watford appearance ended in disappointment as he was at fault for both Leeds goals in a 2-1 defeat which ended their automatic promotion hopes.

The rookie keeper has since joined Brentford and suffered a case of deja vu on Tuesday night when Bees number one Simon Moore came off injured early in the first half of the friendly against Millwall.

But this time Bonham was up to the task, keeping a clean sheet and making some fine saves as the League One side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

"It happened on my debut at Watford now it's happened again," he said.

"I was due to go on at some stage but it was sprung on me again when Simon went down.

"But I feel confident now, I've learned you have to go in with confidence and not let it faze you.

"It was a steep learning curve at Watford. But now I've had games where I've had to step in. At Watford I didn't play much so I was nervous going into the Leeds game - but here I felt fine."

share