Darryl Westlake targeted by Lincoln
Wednesday 27th October 2010, 1:00PM BST.
Walsall starlet Darryl Westlake is a target for League Two club Lincoln – but the Saddlers will not let him leave.
New Imps boss Steve Tilson wants to bolster his squad after taking over from Chris Sutton earlier this month and is keen on the defender.
Westlake impressed Tilson in the Saddlers’ 4-1 reserve win at Lincoln last week, but boss Chris Hutchings is reluctant to let the 19-year-old go out on loan.
The manager needs him to help in Walsall’s League One relegation battle – which takes them to Huddersfield on Saturday.
Sources close to the player confirmed the League Two club’s interest, but Walsall insist no official loan bid has been made.
Westlake is highly thought of at the Banks’s Stadium and their desire to keep him highlights his value to the team.
The teenager has only made four appearances so far this season as he deputises for Aaron Lescott – who has captained the side in the absence of Darren Byfield.
His last appearance came in September’s 2-1 defeat to Swindon, one of only two league outings.
But Westlake won the Young Player of the Year award last season after an impressive debut campaign where he made 24 appearances.
The right-back was handed a two-year deal in the summer but has been unable to make the breakthrough despite the Saddlers’ poor form.
They have kept just one clean sheet this season and lie joint bottom of the table after just one win in their last 11 games.
But Westlake could start at Huddersfield on Saturday, after Lescott came under-fire following last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Tranmere.
The former Bristol Rovers man is under pressure following a string of below-par performances since his summer move.
Westlake was brought in to add experience to the backline after Jamie Vincent quit for Aldershot, but has struggled to make an impact.
Hutchings has threatened to axe some of his under-performers and dropped Julian Gray last week after a series of tepid displays.
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You may as well let him go on loan Hutchings as you seem determined to refuse to play him no matter how poorly Lescott plays every week.
A bit similar to another up and coming young player, Will Grigg, who holds the unusual record of playing for his country more times than his club.
Just go Hutchings!
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Sounds very familiar to another club in Wton, disgraceful how these so called Managers treat their young players
SACK THEM BOTH NOW !!!!!!!!!
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I’ve got a better idea: why don’t we send Chris Hutchings out on permanent loan to anyone that will have him. Westlake should be in Walsall’s starting XI not anyone else’s!
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Funny how Lincoln can recognise potential! Yet our own manager can’t!!
Get him out!!!
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Young player of the year, Man of the match a few times. Has only played 20 odd games for walsall and is only 19 but still a much better player than lescott ever will be. If played regular and coached probably could be the next big player at walsall. Instead he is constantly left out of the starting line up. Hutchings you are an idiot.
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please just go Chris?
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“Westlake is highly thought of at the Banks’s Stadium and their desire to keep him highlights his value to the team.”
He’ll be gone then when the transfer window next opens!!
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he was brilliant last year, and even during the summer friendlies lescott was useless, waste of a weeks wages. westlake should be in that 11 everyweek and lescott should be playing second fiddle to westlake.
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