Eribenne departure leaves little in reserve
by Paul Baker

Friday 10th December 2004

CHUKKI Eribenne is in line to make his debut for Conference side Aldershot at Dagenham tomorrow.

The transfer-listed Weymouth striker has joined the Shots on a month's loan with a view to a permanent move.

Eribenne, who has not figured at the Wessex Stadium since the arrival of new boss Steve Johnson, had been on the verge of joining Gravesend on similar terms earlier in the week.

However, that deal broke down after the former Bournemouth front man contacted the Terras manager to say he had the flu.

Johnson said: "I was disappointed that Chukki didn't go to Gravesend because we had worked hard on the deal.

He's not figuring in my plans at Weymouth and he's one of the high earners we need to off-load.

I thought Gravesend was the perfect chance for him but now he has got an even better one at Aldershot.

They are one of the biggest non-League clubs in the country and so it is a fantastic opportunity.

"If he goes there and does well then they'll sign him full-time.

I obviously hope that happens because it frees up some money at Weymouth and also because I'd like to see Chukki succeed."

Eribenne's departure further dents an already threadbare squad with Johnson admitting he is struggling for numbers ahead of tomorrow's Conference South trip to Bishop's Stortford.

Dave Waterman, Lee Phillips and Martin Barlow have been joined on the treatment table by Steve Tully although the wing-back would have missed out regardless due to suspension.

"Steve has got a shin splints problem which came on against Weston in the week," explained the manager.

"But he's suspended anyway tomorrow although he may be doubtful for a little while.

"He's a player we will definitely miss, as are the others who are in the medical room at the moment.

"At the moment I've a got a real numbers worry and so I'm trying to see if I can get someone to help out.

Whether I can do that in time remains to be seen but it's definitely a priority.

"I'm going to leave things until the morning and see how we are but it might be that I'll be including some of the young local lads like Ryan Hill, Scott Dennis or Nathan Walker in the squad."

After conceding a last-minute equaliser against Weston on Tuesday, Johnson will be looking to his team to bounce back with a three-point haul at Woodside Park.

"We're creating plenty of chances," he added, "and it's time to start converting them.

We need a win bad up there and it's not going to be easy.

"Bishop's Stortford are strong and well organised just like Weston and so we need to be patient and take our opportunities when they come."