Toner turns down Harriers switch

By Nathan Jackson
January 20 2005

Imps midfielder Ciaran Toner has rejected the chance to join relegation threatened, Kidderminster Harriers. The midfielder has been getting a fair share of first team action recently and said that he'd rather battle for promotion rather than relegation.

Kiddy boss, Stuart Watkiss enquired about the midfielder on Tuesday but Keith waited to inform Toner himself before informing Watkiss of an answer. Toner rejected the move and now looks set for a tussle for the 2nd midfield place with Peter Gain.

Speaking to the Lincolnshire Echo, Keith said

"I told Ciaran about their interest because I felt he had a right to know, but I also told him I didn't want him to move on," said Alexander. "He told me he didn't want the move either because he's in the side and wants to stay and fight for his place. That kind of attitude is just what you want to hear as a manager."

After initially struggling to get into the side after moving from Leyton Orient in the summer, Toner suddenly found himself with a consistant first team place thanks to the injury of talented midfielder, Peter Gain and has started every match since the home game with Cheltenham. The Northern Ireland international would have linked up with former City defender, Simon Weaver if he had switched to Aggborough. However, Toner wasn't Watkiss' main target with Boston's Chris Holland and Wrexham's Dean Bennett both missing out on moves to Aggborough for different reasons.