Is the Writing on the Wall?

With Dean Saunders looking to clear out his squad, it's perfectly understandable for our minds to wander to who's in favour and who isn't. Well there's one player who must be very concerned after the Altrincham game.

Will Sam Aiston already be mentally packing his bags?

Think about it. I suspect an awful lot of fans, if asked who they suspect Saunders will be looking to offload, would suggest Christian Smith. Yet with Wes Baynes suspended last Tuesday, Saunders played Smith out of position rather than select Aiston, a natural winger. Of course if it didn't work out he'd have Aiston on the bench wouldn't he? Well, no actually.

Aiston's an honest worker whose direct style can force sides back, buthis lack of end product might just count decisively against him in Saunders' mind.

Is Sam The Man?

A manager's early actions are often put under disproportionate scrutiny, as we try to jump to early conclusions, so naturally his first signing is an interesting one.

Sam Aiston has a good pedigree; Shrewsbury's fans are posting tributes to his efforts on the Red Passion messageboards and I recall him being considered a class act during his loan spells at Chester. Little knows him and must feel he has something to contribute.

On the other hand, he has a history of being prone to injury, is surplus to requirements at Northampton and has been on loan in the Conference this season. How match fit he is is another question we'll probably see answered on Sunday, although media reports that he hasn't played for The Cobblers this season are exaggerated; he has come on as sub twice for them in the last week.

My gut feeling is that if Little knows him he's not gambling. Let's hope so.