1. Footymad
  2. Red Imps Mad
  3. Latest
  4. Rumour Mill

Imps look to Stamp out missed chances

Last updated : 15 December 2004 By Gary Hutchinson

Stamp - Will find chances limited as City have only failed to score on 3 occasions in the league this season.
It’s reported that The Imps initially approached Chester to take the 26-year-old on a month's loan. However this approach was rejected with Chester boss Ian Rush stating he needs the player as cover for his injury-ravaged squad. Rush has however targeted a striker himself this week which means Stamp could be free to join the Imps. Keith Alexander believes he could still have Stamp in his squad for Saturday's trip to Wycombe should the transfer merry-go-round continue to revolve.

"I asked Chester about Darryn but I was told by Ian Rush he was needed for their game at Southend on Friday. However, after speaking again to Ian last night, he told me he was trying to bring in a striker, and if that happens it will free up Stamp to come to us.”

Stamp has just returned from a month's loan at Kidderminster Harriers where he netted one goal in five matches.

"I'm still very hopeful a deal cane be done to bring Darryn here. He's a player I've tried to sign in the past, but I was unable to match the money Chester had offered him when he left Northampton. He's big lad who can win headers, hold the ball up and score his fair share of goals.”

He came on as a substitute during Chester's 1-1 home draw with Shrewsbury on Saturday, but has dropped down the pecking order at the Deva Stadium. However Stamp flourished in Chester's spectacular Conference-winning season last term - scoring 19 goals in his partnership Daryll Clare who has also left the Welsh outfit

"I already have Marcus Richardson and Martin Carruthers who can do that, but I'm looking for competition and you can't have enough of that. Darryn was first choice at Chester last season, but Rushy came in and brought some new ideas with him."

Imps fans will be surprised that Alexander is looking to increase competition for places up front whilst the midfield remains threadbare, but as Keith is also targeting a midfielder they may be appeased. For now.

Stamp is wanted by several other clubs, including Conference side Scarborough. He spent a successful season two years ago netting 12 goals in just 32 appearances. He started life at the Imps close rivals Scunthorpe United making 69 appearances in four seasons and scoring 7 goals. He had loans spells at Scarborough and Halifax Town before joining Scarborough permanently in June 2001. Stamp's successful stint in the Conference was followed by a move to Northampton who paid £45,000 for his services in May 2002. He scored five goals in 24 appearances before joining Chester for a nominal fee 12 months later.

Stamps goals to game ratio isn’t exactly breathtaking, and with Carruthers and Richardson vying for a starting place already, as well as Francis Green, Simon Yeo, Gary Taylor Fletcher, Leon Mettam, Adam Kerley and Ollie Ryan it would seem Stamp could be surplus to requirements before he’s even signed!