CENTRAL defender Magnus Okuonghae has given no clear indication of where he will be playing his football next season. The 23-year-old, who is currently out of contract at Victoria Road, is yet to sign the deal offered to him by manager John Still, and the

CENTRAL defender Magnus Okuonghae has given no clear indication of where he will be playing his football next season, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The 23-year-old, who is currently out of contract at Victoria Road, is yet to sign the deal offered to him by manager John Still, and there has been reported interest from League One side Colchester United.

But, according to Okuonghae, who Daggers can command compensation for as he is still under 24, nothing has been decided just yet.

"It's all still up in the air at the moment," said the defender, who made 51 appearances for the club last season and was named the supporters' player of the year.

"I haven't signed anything and the gaffer has been away on holiday for a while, so I am just going to wait and see what will happen."

If Okuonghae does leave, then it will be the fourth high-profile departure from the club, after Ben Strevens, Sam Saunders and Danny Foster all joined Brentford last week.

But, despite their absences, the former Crawley and St Albans player insists that Daggers will be able to cope in a division they so nearly reached the play-offs in last season.

"I think when any team loses three of its players, it will be hard to replace them, but I don't doubt for one minute that John (Still) will be able to do that," said Okuonghae.

"We know he just can't go out and get another Danny Foster, or a 14-goal striker and 14-goal midfielder, but he has always been able to spot a good talent."

Daggers moved to bring in Hayes & Yeading striker Josh Scott this week, while Stuart Thurgood and Danny Green have also been brought in during the close season.

And if Okuonghae does remain a Dagger, then he will be impressed by the calibre of his new team-mates.

"I've never played against the boy Green, but he came to a few training sessions last year, and looked very bright and sharp," he said.

"I played against Josh Scott a few years ago when I was loan at Bishop's Stortford and thought he was a good player who can score goals.

"I have heard all about Stuart too from his time in the Conference with Grays and think he will bring his experience to the side."

Should Daggers do all they can to keep Magnus Okuonghae? Email: sport@ilfordrecorder.co.uk

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