Teen sensation Charley Sanders saves Boston United from raiding loan market
BOSTON United boss Jason Lee has revealed he resisted the temptation to raid the loan market following the emergence of teen sensation Charley Sanders.
Lee's forward options were stretched when Spencer Weir-Daley and Ben Fairclough were hit with three-match suspensions after being sent off in the FA Cup defeat to Altrincham last month.
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GREAT MOMENT: Charley Sanders celebrates scoring against Colwyn Bay on Saturday. Picture: David Shipman
Sanders made his senior debut in that game, coming off the bench with United down to nine men.
Since then, the 17-year-old has proved an able back-up to Marc Newsham and Mark Jones, and on Saturday bagged his maiden senior goal in the FA Trophy victory over Colwyn Bay.
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Sanders' form, plus that of Jason Stokes and Kallum Smith, has been a major bonus to Lee, whose side have won both games in Weir-Daley and Fairclough's absence.
"I was hopeful, but you don't know until you get situations like this when you have suspensions and injuries," said Lee.
"You don't know what people are capable of. It could be a real blessing that Charley has come through and prevents us going out and spending money that we haven't got.
"It's great for the club. He's doing well and he's got his chance through merit. It wasn't because we were down to the bare bones.
"We could have brought someone in on loan for the games those boys were suspended for, but I wanted to see what Charley could bring.
"Things can change very quickly. If we lose a game, I go home and think 'right, what can I do to rectify it?'.
"But we're winning games and as long as that happens I'm happy."
Peterborough-born Sanders has been connected to the Pilgrims since the age of 11 and joined up with the first-team squad after impressing in the youth and reserve teams.
Lee hopes the progress of the likes of Sanders and another homegrown talent, James Reed, will spur on other first team hopefuls at the club.
"I think everyone around the club will be delighted for him. It's great for our youth team, Steve Welsh (head of youth), and our reserve managers," said Lee.
"They can say to players 'if you do well, you will get an opportunity'. I said that in pre-season and I meant it.
"I've got a keen eye on the youngsters at the club and it's up to them to impress me. If I can give them an opportunity I will."
Comments
by MjCclarke
Thursday, November 15 2012, 6:28PM
“I reckon Jason Lee's doing a great job working with and developing a young promising squad with the likes of Ward, Stainfield, Milnes, Marshall, Smith, Stainfield, Reed and now Sanders.
As long as they are all on "protective contracts", in the club's best interests, with time and patience United have the basis of a squad that will go on and really challenge for honours”