DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE manager John Still admitted he is hoping his promotion-chasing squad isn t broken up when the January transfer window opens.

by MIKE SIMMONDS

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE manager John Still admitted he is hoping his promotion-chasing squad isn't broken up when the January transfer window opens.

The Daggers boss has had to virtually rebuild his side after they just missed out on the play-offs last campaign, as only Tony Roberts, Paul Benson, Peter Gain and Mark Arber remain from the team that started in the 2-1 defeat to Shrewsbury Town on the final day of the season.

Still has masterminded his new-look team to become genuine promotion contenders and hopes to keep hold of the likes of Danny Green and Josh Scott.

Concern

"We've done so well and I've been so pleased, but our concern now is what happens in the transfer window and the possibility that we might lose one or two players," he said.

"There were enquiries on Thursday when the loan window shut, but we didn't pursue them because they haven't been what we would have wanted. We don't need to sell players, but we have always been a club that if the deal is right then we will look at it.

"The likes of Danny Green and Josh Scott have been excellent this season and it's no surprise that clubs are interested, but nothing has been done yet."

Still added another new face to his squad last week when he signed Peterborough United left back Jamie Day on loan for a month.

The 23-year-old has played more than 100 games for Posh, including five appearances this season, but with Matt Lockwood's loan running out, Still was quick to act.

Sorted

"We tried to sign Jamie when Scott Griffiths went there, but couldn't get it sorted and now we're in the position where we could do something so we have done," he said. "He's a very good player, a young man too, and his contract is up at the end of the season, so he's somebody we are interested in.

"He can play wide left too, and is highly thought of at Peterborough, so we are looking forward to his time with us and it makes our squad bulkier too."

Still was a busy man on Thursday, also signing former Grays defender Gavin Dayes on non-contract terms from Tonbridge Angels while letting full back Alex Bentley join Aveley on loan.

"Gavin has been training with us for a bit and we have liked what we have seen," said Still.

"We saw him play for Grays and Tonbridge and were impressed, so we have brought him in to add cover, especially with the injuries to Mark Arber and Anwar Uddin.

"Alex has gone out on loan to get some football, so that should be a good experience for him."

Meanwhile, it seems that Daggers missed out on the signature of Histon defender Gareth Gwillim during Thursday's loan window.

The 26-year-old has been a virtual ever-present in the Blue Square Premier this season, but manager Steve Fallon told the Cambridge News.

Offer

"We've turned down an offer for Gareth from Dagenham," he said. "He's a big part of this football club and we've got to rebuild the club around our good players."

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