Pritchard returns to make his mark (Story posted 18.07.02)

MARLOW FC skipper James Pritchard may be on his way to York Road, and is expected to complete the move by the end of the week.
The feisty midfielder was on Maidenhead United's books back in the late 1990s, making 72 appearances for the club and scoring 14 goals.
However, he then moved to Marlow, when his father Graham took over as manager at Oak Tree Road, in 1998.
His latest move will certainly come as a blow to the Blues, as he finished the 2001-2 season as the club's top scorer.
But Marlow's loss is United's gain, and Alan Devonshire was clearly delighted to have Pritchard back in the Magpies' nest.
He said: "He's played for me before and I really rate him.
"He's been training with us since we started and as far as I'm concerned he's agreed to sign for us."
Initially there was a suspicion that Pritchard's move had been prompted by the appointment of former Magpies skipper Tim Cook as the 1st team captain over at Marlow, coincidentally replacing Pritchard.
However, Blues manager Derek Sweetman claimed the events were unrelated, saying: "It's nothing to do with Tim. James just felt he should be playing at a higher level.
"I'll be disappointed to lose the boy. He was my leading goalscorer last season.
"But I told James that if Alan (Devonshire) offered him a good deal he should take it. It's Premier football!
"If he has decided to go, he goes with my best wishes. I hope it works out for him."
Assuming the deal goes ahead, Pritchard will be the fourth new player to sign for United over the summer months, but is the first not to have come from Division 1 side Northwood, who seem to have become something of a feeder club for the Magpies. Having already poached prolific striker Lawrence Yaku and midfielder Andy Cook from the Middlesex club, Devonshire is now expecting to sign fellow Northwood midfielder Ryan Ashe by the end of the week, making good his promise to sign four new players in the off-season.
Some fans might be disappointed that all four have come from lower divisions, however, Devonshire claimed the signings were based purely on footballing ability, saying: “I don't look at which club they play for. I look at the player.”
The first test for Devonshire’s ever growing squad comes tomorrow (Saturday), when United take on Nationwide Division 2 side Brentford at York Road, kick-off 3pm.
Devonshire said: "I'm looking forward to it. It's nice to have a pro club coming to York Road. I spoke to them this week and they confirmed they'd be sending a 1st team down.
"And they'll be bringing their fans as well, so we're hoping the Maidenhead supporters will come out in force to support us.
"Hopefully it will be an enjoyable atmosphere and a good game. Obviously we're the underdogs, so we just want to enjoy it."
Initial estimates are for a gate of 1,000, but that could receive a boost thanks to a new half-time attraction, in the curvaceous shape of several dancers from the Honey Pot club in Maidenhead.
The girls will be taking part in a penalty shoot-out during the interval, under the watchful eye of the Magpies' goalkeeping coach Phil Parkes – among others.
The game will also feature ball boys from the Maidenhead Boys and Girls Football Club, as well as two new club mascots.
Club treasurer Jean Coombs said: "It should be quite a show."