Suhaj axed as Nantwich plan ahead
3:25pm Thursday 22nd May 2008
NANTWICH Town have decided to release former Alex striker Pav Suhaj.
The aimable 6ft 4ins Slovakian looks to be on his way out of South Cheshire after the Dabbers decided not to offer him a new contract.
It marks a dramatic tumble for a player that cost League One Crewe £90,000 just three years ago.
An impressive performance in a friendly against West Brom sealed the deal back then but Suhaj was rarely seen in an Alex shirt afterwards.
Dabbers boss Steve Davis gave him a chance to resurrect his career last summer however the 27-year-old only played a bit part in their promotion push.
Injuries, suspensions and a loss of form took their toll although a memorable hat-trick secured the Cheshire Senior Cup.
"Pav has been released," he explained "He's a cracking lad, he really is, but he's not done as well as I thought he would at this level.
"Maybe I've not been able to get the best out of him and maybe someone else can.
"There is something there, in the Cheshire Senior Cup final he came on and turned the game for us.
"But he's not managed to hit those heights consistently and he needs too if he wants to get back into the League.
"I think he knows that himself, "He wants to stay in England and I've told him I'll try to help him get a club.
"We've invited everyone else back.
"Dave Walker is talking to a couple of other clubs and he's entiled to do that.
"We want him to stay but if he doesn't, we move on."
Davis installed a deadline this week for the remainder of the squad to get on board for the challenge of UniBond Premier football.
He's hopeful everyone will accept.
"I've spoken to the players," he added "We will re-establish this week what we can afford and If we've not heard anything by Wednesday, we'll take it that they're looking to move on.
"I'm also speaking to other players this week.
"I think everyone is keen to stay and carry on what we've been doing here over the last three years.
"We feel the offers we have made are decent and a good indication of how the lads have done."
The boss also has his fingers crossed that veteran keeper Lee Jones will delay his retirement.
The 38-year-old form Swansea, Stockport and Blackpool stopper made a big impression between the sticks, saving twice in Nantwich's dramatic shoot-out win in the Play-Off Final.
"I've had a good conversation with Jonah and I think he's swaying towards another season," added Davis.
"Ideally we'd like him to work alongside a good young keeper."
Nantwich will try their luck with bat and ball next month.
The lads will be putting the pads on to build relations with Nantwich Cricket Club.
"We've arranged a cricket match against Nantwich on June 27," explained Davis.
"It's a bit of fun, it's a 20-20 match.
"We're a community club and we want to build links with the town's other sports clubs.
"It's an ideal opportunity and we'll probably have a return at our game."
Davis was also delighted at Steve Holland's commitment to a friend between the Alex and Nantwich.
"We've all got a lot of respect for Crewe," he said.
"We've got a good relationship with them and that's the only reason for the game."
Nantwich are still hopeful of fixing up pre-season friendlies against the likes of Premiership newcomers Stoke and League Two Port Vale.