Jon Macken, training with Walsall, has still not replied to Rotherham’s contract offer.
The Millers manager Ronnie Moore has said he’s scoured the country for an alternative striker but has yet to find any joy. Ronnie Moore said.
“I’ve looked absolutely everywhere – there’s just nothing out there. Clubs won’t let good strikers go.”
Meanwhile Macken may have appeared on the radar of Sheffield Wednesday? Their manager Alan Irvine has spoken of the number of players being offered to his club by agents, and indicates Macken’s agent may have made his aware of his trial at Walsall. He told The Star:
“I’m still looking. I’m also mindful of the fact that the club have been in a really difficult financial position. I’m wary about that. I wouldn’t try to get us to bring in somebody just for the sake of it. But if somebody comes along who will make us better, I’ll ask the question (to the board]. If the answer is no, I’ll understand that. If the answer is yes, then great.
“I’m getting players thrown at me every day by agents; a lot of players still don’t have clubs.”
“I read that Jon Macken had gone trial to Walsall; Jon’s a good player. I’m getting offered lots of players on trial or on loan. There are a lot clubs trying to change things around. But they need to get someone out first. It’s like a domino situation.”
Walsall need a striker and there appears to be a fair bit of interest in Macken from elsewhere, some concrete. Failure to offer a deal to the player sooner rather than later, could see him move with the season now underway. With many other clubs in the Championship, League One and Two also on the lookout for frontmen with experience, he is likely to be in demand and from his personal performance point of view, he needs to get fixed up so he can get into shape with his fitness likely to be behind the shape of players who have had a full pre season with their clubs
Macken seems to be making the noises he is holding out for a deal from Walsall and featured in a friendly against Coventry City on Tuesday.
Macken told the Express and Star: “I’m definitely interested, who wouldn’t be? It’s League One, they have a good team and I’ve been impressed. Hopefully I have impressed them,”
“It’s what I’m looking for. They are ambitious, it’s a great set-up and they’ve got a decent chance this season. If it doesn’t happen, I thank them for the opportunity to train and get my match sharpness back. If something comes of it, brilliant. If not, I’m very grateful.
“I’ve only been there four days, so at the moment I’m just training and we’ll take it from there.”
If Walsall don’t act and make a firm offer, other clubs will, in addition to Rotherham who have shown their interest in the player with a contract offer.