Post by Salem6 on Nov 13, 2003 23:16:03 GMT
By Chris Harris
Vic Akers is close to signing a new striker to fill the void left by Angela Banks' retirement.
Vic Akers
The former Arsenal Ladies striker hung up her boots in the summer after a prolific and distinguished career, and Akers is on the prowl for a replacement to bolster his youthful squad.
The Ladies manager tried in vain to tempt Banks into extending her stay at Highbury, and Akers acknowledges that Arsenal have been affected by her absence.
"It's been as we possibly thought it would this season," he told Arsenal.com. "We started well but we knew we'd have a problem with goals after losing Angie in the summer.
"She left a massive void and it's not easy for the young players to fill that void. Angie was an out-an-out goalscorer and she's a hard act to follow.
"The youngsters have done great and they will only improve. It's all positive stuff but we need to win football matches so I'm looking at bringing someone in."
Akers' most prominent port of call will be the United States. The American League appears to be on the verge of breaking up, a scenario which would leave a number of talented players searching for new clubs.
"I've spoken to my contact in the United States," said Akers. "There's a chance that all but four teams will be disbanded so there will be a lot of players available.
"I've been offered a number of players already and I'm hoping that the one I want no longer has a team to play for in the American League."
[13 November 2003]
Vic Akers is close to signing a new striker to fill the void left by Angela Banks' retirement.
Vic Akers
The former Arsenal Ladies striker hung up her boots in the summer after a prolific and distinguished career, and Akers is on the prowl for a replacement to bolster his youthful squad.
The Ladies manager tried in vain to tempt Banks into extending her stay at Highbury, and Akers acknowledges that Arsenal have been affected by her absence.
"It's been as we possibly thought it would this season," he told Arsenal.com. "We started well but we knew we'd have a problem with goals after losing Angie in the summer.
"She left a massive void and it's not easy for the young players to fill that void. Angie was an out-an-out goalscorer and she's a hard act to follow.
"The youngsters have done great and they will only improve. It's all positive stuff but we need to win football matches so I'm looking at bringing someone in."
Akers' most prominent port of call will be the United States. The American League appears to be on the verge of breaking up, a scenario which would leave a number of talented players searching for new clubs.
"I've spoken to my contact in the United States," said Akers. "There's a chance that all but four teams will be disbanded so there will be a lot of players available.
"I've been offered a number of players already and I'm hoping that the one I want no longer has a team to play for in the American League."
[13 November 2003]
