Dev in the frame for Aldershot job? (Story posted 07.02.02)

RUMOURS of Aldershot Town swooping for Alan Devonshire are rife, after a recent poll showed he was the number one choice of 25 per cent of Shots fans – well ahead of his nearest rival.
Even before George Borg’s departure as manager, Devonshire was a popular topic of debate on the club’s website.
However, the former England and West Ham star has two years to run on his current contract with Maidenehad, although the club says it would not stand in his way if he decided to go.
Chairman Roger Coombs said: “I spoke to Dev about it and he’s happy to stay at the club.
“But, if they wanted to talk to him, I wouldn’t stand in his way. That wouldn’t achieve anything.”
Devonshire himself was characteristically tight-lipped on the subject, although he claimed there had been no formal approach as yet.
He said: “If anything does happen, I promise you’ll be the first to know.”
The speculation has been fuelled by Devonshire’s growing reputation as a manager who knows how to get the best from his players – a reputation which has been enhanced in this week’s outings.
On Saturday, the Magpies only managed a draw, but played some of their best football of the season in a 2-2 draw against close rivals Basingstoke.
Devonshire said: “I thought we were really excellent. We are looking really good at the moment and it’s just a matter of going forward from here.”
But, once again, it was mistakes at the back which cost United the points, with an uncharacteristic mistake from goalkeeper Richard Barnard gifting Basingstoke their first half equaliser.
However, Devonshire was still full of praise of his young star.
He added: “People make mistakes and with keepers it looks worse than others.
“But he’s always done well for me and you can count on the fingers of one hand the number of mistakes he’s made in the last couple of seasons.”
He also forgave his side for a slow start against Flackwell Heath on Tuesday night, blaming a treacherous surface and the game’s lack of tempo for an under par performance.
There was also one notable absence, with in-form striker Lee Channell resting a niggley hamstring.
Devonshire said: “The conditions were poor, which is a bit of a leveller and we didn’t play to our tempo. They dragged us down a level.
“But after half-time we got hold of the ball and took control of the game.
“We won 3-0 and we now have a semi-final against Abingdon or Slough to look forward to.”
On Saturday, Maidenhead travel to Sutton Town, with the hosts currently enjoying a rich vein of form, only losing once in their last nine outings.