Villa Chief Scout In Rat Race

Villa chief scout Storey-Moore says it is a 'rat race' between clubs to find the next big thing in football.

He said: 'You can't always get all your plans to fit into place. But it certainly won't be for the want of trying. That's why you have to have a, b and c alternatives. If we get the ones we want then it certainly would give us a boost. We hope to get a couple in - but it is a rat-race.'

Adding, in the Birmingham Mail: 'January is not the best time to do business. I wish we could go back to the old system where you could wheel and deal throughout the season up until the end of March. That was better for everyone and especially for lower league clubs who need to survive. So we have to be careful in January. I've been given numerous names from so many obscure places. I was given four yesterday morning, from Timbuktu to Australia.'

He says the players have done great this season and new arrivals would be the 'icing on the cake to take us to the next level.'

And most importantly promising 'We are not going to take just anyone. If they are not going to improve the squad then there's no point.'

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