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Jay’s Friday Briefing

Jay Saunders Dulwich Hamlet February 2023 Ian Clear 3

Woody’s in the squad!

Tommy Wood is in the squad for his “third debut" for the club when we travel to Bath City on Saturday, after joining from Hampton and Richmond.

Jay Saunders said: "I've always liked Woody, I wanted to keep him in the summer.  

"I wasn't actively looking for someone in the forward area but if the right player becomes available you have to look at it.  There were a few clubs in for him but he chose to come back.  You all know him better than me, he's someone who gives another option and it's gone down very well."

When asked how he would accommodate Wood and Jordan Greenidge, Jay said: "I don't think we'd need to change shape.  If it feels right for them go to up front together we'll do it. Joe's been playing up there, and there's no reason all three of them can't play together, but it gives us options.  Louis Collins is another option, he's completely different, and if we feel it's right for him to come back we could look at that as well.  I'd rather have to make tough decisions than have no decisions to make."

Another player in line to be involved for the first time is full-back Marcel Elva-Fountaine, who has joined on loan from Aldershot.

Jay said: "With Tariq out the other night it was important we got competition in wider areas.  Marcel is someone who I think will come in and do well for us.  He reminds me a lot of Tariq, he's similar to him, it's important to strengthen in that area, Terry Brown at Aldershot was fantastic and made it happen."

"Ruben's going out on a dual-reg, he needs games.  Jack Wood and Bivesh Gurung I expect will go back (to Southend and Maidstone) after these games, I'd like to keep them but they want to play football, which I respect."

On opponents Bath, Jay added: "I was impressed with them when they came earlier in the season.  Jerry Gill has a good side, it'll be tough.  I always look forward to going there, a good old fashioned non-league ground which has a good feel about it, we go there one defeat in eight, but we know it'll be tough.  We have to be solid."

On team news Jay said:  "Tariq Hinds will hopefully be back available after missing Monday, but the rest, we'll have to see."

Photo: Ian Clear.

Published Friday 24th February 2023