Argyle defender move hitch

Last updated : 12 March 2010 By Covsupport news service. RD

The proposed month long loan move of West Ham defender Bondz N'Gala to Plymouth Argyle has hit an unexpected hitch.

It had been thought the deal would be done in time for N'Gala to be eligible to play in the Argyle defence at The Ricoh Arena on Saturday. Pilgrim boss Paul Mariner is still hopeful that N'Gala will sign in time, but has alternative defence options available to him if the deal stalls.

If the deal doesn't get done in time for the Coventry game, Mariner could use Chris Barker at centre-back and Gary Sawyer retaining his place at left-back.

Mariner said of N'Gala, 'He has got some issues to work out with West Ham. It's a personal matter. He has some issues to resolve with West Ham. He hasn't trained with us today, but we hope he'll be with us tomorrow."

In another move to bolster his squad, Mariner has recalled  his big forward, Ashley Barnes back from Torquay.

Mariner said, "We have brought Ashley back from Torquay because the squad is light. Barnsey can play in a variety of postions and we just need that option at the present moment."