Aldershot Town FC

Hector U-turn leaves Holdsworth back in the hunt

By Jon Couch
January 31, 2013

ALDERSHOT Town loanee Michael Hector proudly told on Saturday how he loved the feeling of being part of a squad for the first time in his career - but then subsequently turned his back on them.

The 20-year-old midfielder rejected the chance to extend his temporary deal from Reading until the end of the season, telling Shots boss Dean Holdsworth that he wanted to play at a higher level.

Hector had proved himself to be a big hit with the Shots faithful since arriving in November, making 10 first-team appearances and scoring one goal in the 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day.

But despite suggesting otherwise after the FA Cup clash at Middlesbrough, the versatile youngster has opted to return to the Madejski Stadium to request manager Brian McDermott find him a bigger club.

Holdsworth said: “It’s disappointed me to be honest. I felt we had a good chance of keeping him and Reading were happy, but something somewhere has changed his mindset and now he wants to go to a bigger club.”

Hector said on Saturday: “Training has been first class, and the banter as well. It’s the first club I’ve been to where I’ve really enjoyed being a part of [the squad], the players and the staff really get on well, it’s like one big family.

“Whether I go back to Reading or stay here at Aldershot, the main thing is to show people that I have developed and kicked on a bit.”

Hector’s departure has left Holdsworth seeking a short-term replacement by the end of the January transfer window with “several hard yards” being put in to secure a deal.

At the same time, Holdsworth insisted that no bids had been lodged for any of his players despite their heroics over the weekend, with the boss adding: “Unless they make a difference I wouldn’t welcome any.”

One man who could make his debut at Exeter City on Saturday is experienced defender Terrell Forbes, who last week signed on an agreement to the end of the season.

The 31-year-old was released by Chesterfield having made more than 500 first-team appearances for QPR, Yeovil Town, Oldham Athletic, Leyton Orient and the Spireites.

But while Forbes will add much needed experience to the ranks, Holdsworth has hinted that the former West Ham youth product may have to patiently wait for his chance.

“Terrell will take his place in the squad and has fitted in well, but he also knows I'm very happy with the two lads at the back [Troy Brown and Sonny Bradley],” he said.

Holdsworth’s attentions though now turn to the trip to St James’ Park on Saturday - and the Shots boss knows to expect a tough return to league action from the play-off chasers.

“We had them watched on Monday night [a 1-0 home defeat to Torquay] and they are a good side,” he said. “It’s a tough game to start after Middlesbrough but it’s all about having the right attitude and moving forward.”

Holdsworth may have a problem at left back, however, with Anthony Tonkin (neck) and Aaron Morris (hamstring) both rated at only 50/50, so fit-again Doug Bergqvist may figure.

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