Dev tight-lipped over cup final plans (Story posted 10.30am Thursday, April 25)

MAIDENHEAD United have one last chance to experiment before their Berks & Bucks Cup Final showdown with Chesham, when they visit Grays Athletic tomorrow (Saturday).
It would be easy to speculate that the team travelling to Essex will bear a striking resemblance to the one which takes the field at Adams Park, in 10 days time.
However, getting blood out of stone seems a relatively simple task compared to extracting any useful information about the big match from coach Alan Devonshire.
Some of the tactical and team changes implemented in recent weeks may give some valuable pointers but Devonshire seems so determined to avenge United’s 4-0 home defeat to Chesham, he is giving absolutely nothing away.
He has even made plans to deal with the threat of Chesham United spies turning up at Saturday’s game.
He said: “No problem. We know how to deal with that. They won’t know what we are doing differently.
“I’ll let you know what’s changed after the cup final.”
However, he did go as far as admitting he already has his starting line-up in his head, barring any injuries.
Andy Morley seems to have guaranteed his place with a blood and guts performance against Braintree Town this week, also bagging a couple of goals in the process.
Devonshire concurred, saying: “Morley has done excellent for me. He’s a play-anywhere defender and he can even play in midfield.”
Orlando Jeffrey was also in fine form this week, as he teamed up with the recently returned Adam Durrant to provide a water-tight barrier at the back - with the able assistance of first choice keeper Richard Barnard.
Paul Kelly also looks like a dead cert, having developed into one of United’s most influential and consistent players. But beyond that is anyone’s guess, although Devonshire did let slip that injury doubt Brian Connor would be considered, if fit.
All this tight-lipped secrecy now seems to be part of the modern game - as is the psychological trick of playing down your chances in important matches.
Devonshire added: “After the Hendon game, and then Saturday’s performance, it looks like we’re turning things round at the right time.
“But we are still the total underdogs and have nothing to lose. We are just looking forward to a big day out.”
Meanwhile, speculation is rife over the identity of United’s planned new signings. On the club fans forum, one message reveals that two 18-year-olds, recently released by Brentford, played for the Maidenhead United Reserves last week.
Their names have been loosely confirmed as Paul Johnson and Michael Howard.
Devonshire was quick to deny the rumour, saying he would be releasing bona-fide information about player movements within the next few days.
However, with four teams being relegated next year, it is clear United need to strengthen their squad, although a club with United’s limited resources may have to rely on Devonshire’s name to attract players of sufficient quality.
Devonshire added: “The league is going to be very strong next season. We will have a right struggle to stay up.
“Four teams are going down and the clubs coming into our league have all got money to spend. It’s going to be very tough.”