Boss delighted with the signing of experienced defender
Steven Pressley has admitted he is looking forward to watching new signing Bob Harris battle it out with Amari’i Bell for Town’s left back berth.Scotsman Harris has signed a deal with the Club on loan from Sheffield United until the of the season, and will offer tremendous experience to the group.
Bell has played 35 times for Town this season in all competitions, but Pressley felt it was imperative they boosted their backline heading into the final stage of the campaign.
He said: “Bob’s experience is a big factor and he’s someone I’ve looked at previously. He’s a player with a wealth of experience in the English leagues.
“He’s also a really good character who is proven at this level. He provides us with really good competition in the left back area.
“We’ve obviously been hugely reliant on Amari’i this season who has performed very well for me since I came into this job.
“But with Danny Andrew’s prolonged absence due to injury it was very important that we went into the final 17 games with competition in that area.
“I’ve been really happy with Amari’i’s development. He’s a terrific kid but we can’t leave ourselves exposed with only one fit left back.”
Harris returns to the Fylde Coast having had a spell with Blackpool earlier in his career, and Pressley believes the 28 year old will settle quickly.
“I was aware of Bob in the Scottish leagues as he was building a good reputation there, but most importantly I think he’s built a good reputation down here in England.
“He’s a player who is married to a girl who is local to this area so in terms of settling in it should provide no problem at all for him.
“He was very keen to return to this area and I think the fit is perfect. He will provide stiff competition and experience to the group.”