DUFF’S CHUFFED TO LAND VARNEY
CHELTENHAM boss Michael Duff reckons that the capture of Luke Varney could provide his squad with a much-needed dollop of experience.
The 35-year-old former Charlton, Leeds and Derby striker has signed for the Robins on a deal until the end of the season having departed Burton in the summer.
Varney scored the equaliser in the Brewers’ penultimate game against Barnsley last season but was unable to prevent his old team from suffering relegation from the Championship.
The forward is now the oldest member of the Cheltenham squad, something Duff believes will benefit his squad as a whole.
“His experience will help, his professionalism will definitely help, and his character will help the dressing room as well,” said Duff.
“I have played against him many times and I think he can add some real quality to the group.
“Having played at a higher level as recently as last season, we know that he also has the quality.
“He is a fit lad. People will question his age but I know, having played to older than he is, that as long as you still have that fitness, then age is not an issue.
“Having played at a higher level as recently as last season, we know that he also has the quality to improve the group.”
Duff also believes that Whaddon Road will prove the perfect outpost for his new veteran recruit at this advanced stage of his career.
The Cheltenham boss added: “When you get to a certain age, you don’t want to be travelling the length and breadth of the country, so we can offer him something a bit closer to home.
“I know that he just wants to come and play. He hasn’t come here for a payday.
“I think it will be a good fit all-round.”