Dean needs to get his mojo working

Chorley boss Matt Jansen says he has sent James Dean out on loan to Ashton United to try and help the striker get his spark back.
James Dean in action for ChorleyJames Dean in action for Chorley
James Dean in action for Chorley

The former AFC Fylde forward has only netted twice this season during the National League North campaign but scored in only his second game for United in the 2-1 win over Stourbridge on Monday night.

Jansen says he has loaned the hitman to NPL Premier Division side Ashton until the end of the season so that he can rebuild his confidence.

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Dean has struggled with an ankle injury and a back strain this season, and with strike duo Jordan Connerton and Darren Stephenson building a great partnership up top, the experienced targetman has had limited game-time.

But Jansen says that if the striker can regain his confidence at Ashton and impress at the tail-end of the campaign on loan, then he will still be in his plans.

Jansen said: “I’m not saying farewell to Deano. We have had a chat and I have just said he needs to get a spark back.

“He is a great lad and I think maybe going on loan, he might get his mojo back and start scoring goals again.

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“Deano is playing with the weight of the world on his shoulders at the minute, and a change of scenery might do him the world of good. He has done brilliantly for the club.

“It has been difficult for him to get minutes coming back from injury, due to the form of Jordan and Daz.

“I heard from Ashton that he played well and he scored for them in his second game. It is only a loan move – he is still a Chorley player.

“He has not gone and if he continues to do well, gets that confidence back, then he is still a part of my plans”

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Jansen has brought in defender Will Beesley on a permanent deal from Southport and winger Micah Evans on loan from Stockport County.

And he is set to have discussions with Bury manager David Flitcroft to try and get defender Keil O’Brien’s loan deal extended for another month.

Jansen’s men have won their last three games, and moved to within four points of a National League North play-off spot.

He said ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bradford Park Avenue: “We have three massive games over Easter. If we win those who knows what can happen?

“We are in excellent form, we have won eight of our last 11 games and the lads are buzzing.”