Fox's form makes light work for Aidy

Stuart Watson

By Stuart Watson

COLCHESTER United manager Aidy Boothroyd says the form of David Fox convinced him not to make any further forays into the loan market yesterday.

The emergency loan window shut at 5pm last night, meaning all Football League clubs must now wait until January before they can make any more player additions to their squads.

Teenage West Ham midfielder Josh Payne had his short-term loan spell at the Weston Homes Community Stadium ended recently, however, Boothroyd - who has also brought in Danny Batth (Wolves), John-Joe O'Toole (Watford) and Kayode Odejayi (Barnsley) on temporary deals since taking over at the Essex club - has decided not to replace him.

He said: “I thought about bringing in an extra central midfield player because of Kemi Izzet's illness, but he seems to have recovered really well.

“Foxy (David Fox) has also been doing very well with John-Joe O'Toole so I think we have got enough to get through to January now.”

Former Manchester United trainee Fox had looked out of favour with Boothroyd towards the start of his regime, however - after being left out for six games - he has now started the last four.

The 25-year-old claimed two assists against non-league side Bromley in the FA Cup and scored the opener against Oldham two weeks later - and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed by his manager.

“All players have strengths as well as things they need to improve upon,” said Boothroyd.

“I like my midfield players to be technically good, six foot five and able to scrap and fight. I want them to be able to score goals and defend, but I would need to be going to chairman and asking for five million pounds for a player like that!

“You have to accept that - apart from the top four clubs in the Premier League - everyone has got players that are flawed in some way.

“David (Fox) is a very good passer of the ball and, although he's not six foot one, we can balance that out in other areas of the team.

“People like John-Joe O'Toole and Kemi (Izzet) are horrible to play against and some of that seems to be rubbing off on David.

“It's about working on all aspects of your game and making sure you're an all-round player - and at this moment in time I'm delighted to say David is doing that.”

- See tomorrow's EADT for a full preview of the U's trip to League Two side Hereford United in the second round of the FA Cup.