Dev rumours add an edge to Shots clash (Story posted 13.02.02)

THE rumour mill is still running at full tilt regarding Maidenhead United manager Alan Devonshire’s future at the club.
The website of Aldershot Town – who make a timely visit to York Road tomorrow (Saturday) – is awash with fans’ comments on the pros and cons of bringing Devonshire to the Recreation Ground to replace George Borg.
However, there seems to be little substance behind the rumours, which will come as a great relief to the United faithful.
One of many messages on the Shots site claimed the rumour had been confirmed by the father of a Leatherhead player. What further proof is required?
Devonshire himself claims he is happy at York Road and has been receiving messages of support from all and sundry.
He said: “It could be anyone putting those messages on there. I take these things with a pinch of salt.
“At the moment I’m Maidenhead’s manager and that’s that.”
Last year, Aldershot’s title-chasing season was brought to an abrupt halt by United, when the lowly Magpies played out of their skins to inflict a 3-0 defeat on their guests.
The Shots never really recovered from the shock and ended the season as disappointed also-rans.
Then, in September of last year, Maidenhead held Aldershot to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup, also giving them a run for their money in the 1-0 replay at the Rec.
Perhaps this is the best explanation of their fans’ obvious desire to see Devonshire brought on-side.
Tomorrow fans from both sides of the gulf will no doubt take the opportunity to make their feelings known on the subject.
Devonshire said of Aldershot: “They’re going quite well at the moment and they will be out for revenge. It’s going to be a tough game but I’m looking forward to it.
“It should be something the players are looking forward to as well, so we’ll just give it a go.”
United’s own form has been a bit wobbly of late, with only two wins from their last seven league games, including a disappointing, last-minute defeat at Sutton United on Saturday.
Devonshire said: “The conditions were very poor but, to be fair, we actually played quite well. Sutton are a very big, physical side and they managed to nick two goals in the last few minutes.
“It was disappointing, but I was quite pleased with the way we played.
“The performance was good until the last 10 minutes but I think a bit of naivety crept in at the end. The boys have to realise the dangers and keep going until the 90th minute.”
However, Devonshire is still satisfied with his players and is confident they can finish the season in midtable.
He added: “We have had some tough games and we still have a few more to come, but as long as we’re performing well I’m not going to be too hard on the boys.
“I’d like to think we could finish the season where we are now, but a couple of clubs around us are on good runs at the moment. If we can finish above 16th I’ll be pleased.”
Maidenhead’s recent 3-0 victory over Flackwell Heath in the Berks & Bucks Cup means a potentially mouth-watering semi-final clash with bitter rivals Slough Town.
However, the Rebels must first come through a quarter-final clash with Abingdon Town, due to be played on Tuesday night.