Gaynor targets new deal

Last updated : 21 January 2008 By The Merry Lion
It has often been said that when a new manager takes over a football club he looks at his squad in a different light than his predecessor, allowing those that may have fallen out of favour the opportunity to prove themselves.

Never was this more true than in the case of former Millwall striker Tony Dolby, who spent years in the doldrums under Mick McCarthy before Jimmy Nicholl came in and gave the player a new lease of life. But now, just a decade later, another youngster is getting the opportunity previously denied to him.

It's fair to say that Ross Gaynor didn't really feature in Willie Donachie's first team plans and was farmed out on loan on moe than one occasion but since Kenny Jackett took over in November, the 20-year-old striker has enjoyed a run in the side that has seen him make five appearances as a make-shift left midfielder. And with his current deal set to expire in the summer, the Republic of Ireland youth international wants to prove to the new boss that he is worthy of a deal.

"Kenny Jackett has given me the chance I didn't get under the last manager," Gaynor told the Irish Daily Star. "On a personal level, it's a massive turnaround because I was on the verge of leaving this month. My contract is up in the summer and I had offers to join other clubs.

"Such is the change that I'm ready to sit down and discuss a new deal with the club in the coming weeks."