Burton snap up ace Newby

Steven McArthur - Steven McArthur • Published 2 Sep 2008 12:30

MORTON striker Jon Newby has made a shock deadline day loan move to English Conference side Burton Albion.

Newby, 29, who was signed by Ton manager Davie Irons in the close season, made a promising start in Greenock, but has only featured in four competitive games this term, scoring once.

Now the ex-Liverpool man is heading south to join the team who had competed for his signature back in July.

Of the three-month loan deal, Ton assistant boss Derek Collins said: 'At the moment Jon feels that he needs to be playing every week, and at Morton no-one is guaranteed a starting place.

'It is an opportunity for him to play every week, and the travelling had become an issue as well.

'We are happy that Jon will be playing regularly.'

The move will come as a surprise to the fans in Greenock, coming hot on the heels of a scalding 5-0 defeat away to Airdrie. And with no players being brought in by yesterday"s midnight deadline, the level of concern may grow.

Collins, however, was upbeat. He said: 'We can still do things outwith the window. The manager has to look after the interests of the whole squad, not just one player.

'Funds are going to be released and we can look at other options [including emergency loans].'

And of Newby returning in January, Collins commented: 'Both parties agreed that if Jon comes back and feels his future lies elsewhere, that is something that can be discussed at that time.

'Players have to show the manager they should be in the side, they can"t just ask to be. We are happy for Jon to go out on loan, and now we have to assess things and see what is available.'

Meanwhile, still injured is centre back Stewart Greacen with a troublesome groin strain.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 02 Sep 08

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