Johnson's dismay at losing Traynor
By Matt Pitman

Saturday 15th January 2005

LOAN star Rob Traynor is to depart Weymouth and return to parent club Crawley Town after just three weeks at the Wessex Stadium.

The wing wizard has been recalled by the Nationwide Conference outfit and could soon be on the move again.

Crawley boss Francis Vines wants to use Traynor in a swap deal for Farnborough defender Sasha Opinel.

And disappointed Weymouth manager Steve Johnson today spoke of his 'dismay' at losing the former Brentford player.

He told Echosport: "Losing Rob back to Crawley is a big disappointment because I hoped we could sign him on a permanent basis once his one month loan deal expired next week.

"That appeared to be the arrangement with Crawley but their manager Francis Vines has since called and said they need Rob back to use in a swop deal with Farnborough.

"I'd earlier spoken to Rob about the possibility of a permanent move to us and he seemed keen on the idea.

"Now it seems he is off to Farnborough just when I thought he might become ours.

"Unfortunately the nature of loan deals means something like this is what you have to put up with.

"It's something you have to put up with in football and now I plan to look elsewhere for other options."

Meanwhile Johnson revealed Coca-Cola Championship promotion hopefuls Reading have not yet made a formal offer for striker Lee Phillips.

But he said Steve Coppell's side are continuing to track the former Plymouth Argyle star.

He said: "I've talked to Steve Coppell about the situation and as we stand, no offer has been made.

"It's premature to say Lee Phillips is going to Reading but that's not to say it may not happen in the future.

"Reading have watched him a couple of times already and Steve told me they will have another couple of looks at him before deciding what to do.

Obviously there is no smoke wiinom fire and they appear to be very interested.

"Like I said before, if a substantial offer is made we will have to take that bid on its merits."

• Loan defender Bradley Thomas will be available to play in Weymouth's Conference South clash with play-off rivals Thurrock on January 22.

It was initially feared the Peterborough United centre hall picked up his fifth booking of the season at Carshalton Athletic.

But boss Johnson has been boosted after hearing a mix-up in the figures means Thomas can play against Thurrock.

He said: "We originally though Bradley's booking against Carshalton was his fifth and therefore he would receive a suspension.

"But luckily it turns out tha was not the case and it was actually his fourth yellow card of the season.

"That's good news and means, if selected, he is available to play against Thurrock."