Groves Fails on Two Fronts

By: Graham Howes
Date: 29/06/2003

TOWN boss Paul Groves looks to have failed on two key fronts in his bid to keep two of last season's top players. The Town boss has failed to entice player of the season Georges Santos to stay with the club, and likewise persuade Preston's Michael Keane to move to Grimsby for first team football.

On Santos Groves said "At the moment Georges Santos is out of our price range. It is somewhat of a stalemate, but we can't sit and wait forever."

Groves went on to praise Big Georges' efforts. "Georges had an impressive second half of the season. We gave him the opportunity to play and he repaid us by producing the performances.", said Groves.

Groves is now forced to look elsewhere, within the framework of the budget he is allocated. However he has given a little glimmer for fans/Big Georges by indicating that if something happens it has to be done before July's Ibiza trip.

The indication is clear that the club are not prepared to have a similar situation like last season when signings came into the club after missing chunks of the pre-season program.

On the Keane front, Groves has finally admitted defeat in that the midfielder will stay at Preston at least until the season starts. However he has also indicated that the club will monitor the situation, in case developments change. It is thought Keane is likely to be 5th in the pecking order in Preston's midfield.

North End boss Craig Brown has also been told he has to sell before he can bring in new blood. However Brown has indicated he will not force Keane out of the club.

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