Hasselbaink turned down by one – but the search is continuing
HE is frustrated to have been forced away from the training ground by Covid-19 but, off the field, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s efforts to refresh Burton Albion’s squad continue apace.
Just under a week of the transfer window remains – although, as usual, loans will go beyond that – and supporters can expect to see more players heading in both directions as yet.
Hasselbaink was not among those who have tested positive or been required to isolate but much of his work away from the training ground obviously does not have to be done face to face anyway.
A delayed seond half in the Chelsealuton Town FA Cup tie on Sunday gave Hasselbaink, doing a stint as a pundit with the BBC, the chance to talk about his return to Burton.
And Brewers’ fans ears pricked up when he suggested an “exciting arrival” might be imminent.
However, without naming names, Hasselbaink now says the deal, to sign a Premier League player on loan, is off – unless that player thinks again.
“He turned us down – for the time being, anyway,” said Hasselbaink yesterday.
“He has some Championship interest that he wants to explore. I think that’s the wrong thing to do because he is not going to go to a Chammpionship club at this moment in time and effect them straightaway.
“He is going to have to wait his turn.
“With us, he would play more because we need that kind of player.
“Coming from a Premier League club, it would be one step back for him but we think that, in the future, he can take two steps forward.” The manager says it is a situation managers of lower league clubs encounter a lot but he thinks players should want to put themselves in the shop window.
“Not all players, managers or agents think the same. That is what you are fighting with, with younger players,” he said. “At times, it is also difficult to deal with the parents because they are very emotionally attached. “They see their son at a Premier League club and they think he should be playing at that club.
“If he doesn’t play there, they think it should be the league below but they are forgetting that, if you stop him from playing, people won’t see him.
“It doesn’t matter what league a player is in, he needs to go out there and play, make a difference and show people he can play football.
“Then he will get back to where he belongs.
“That’s the fight we have with
We need young blood, young exciting players in the building, with a few experienced ones.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
young talent; it’s a little different with the older ones.
“But we need young blood, young exciting players in the building, with a few experienced ones.”
Hasselkbaink is still looking at all the outfield areas of the squad.
“Time will tell. It (the Covid situation) hasn’t stopped me looking to improve the squad – to re-energise it and balance it out.
“There are lots of calls being made to see what is available.
“I am still looking at the defensive area but we also need more creativity in the attacking area.
“I think, in the last two games, we have defended really well and been really solid.
“But you have to be able to keep the ball, give the back six, or whatever it is, a break and have some fun up front.”
There will be departures, probably involving players who are not getting close to the starting line-up.
“I think we will see a few outgoings. I don’t yet know how many but some people want to play and I can’t guarantee them playing – I don’t want to stand in their way,” added Hasselbaink.