CIRENCESTER TOWN boss Charlie Griffin wants to sign a defender who crocked one of his star strikers.

Nick Peare was red-carded when playing for Mangotsfield United against Cirencester earlier this month when a high, albeit accidental, challenge left Aidan Bennett with a horror gash to his head which required seven staples to keep it together.

Bennett, who hasn’t played since, had scored six goals in his last eight games including the short-lived one at Mangotsfield.

Peare works as a football coach at Cirencester Sixth Form College, and Griffin is allowed to speak to him from today (Wednesday) under the terms of his seven-day approach.

“I’ve lost three defenders to other clubs recently (Matt Coupe, Jordan Stoddart and Matt Jones) so I need some bodies in and I would like my defence to be a little more ‘horrible’.

“Nick is a real competitor, 6ft plus, is not afraid to make a tackle and he has a great long throw,” said Griffin, who is targeting another player who has impressed him recently, Ibrahima Diallo of Larkhall Athletic, twice victors over Cirencester within a week recently.

Diallo, a class act who bossed the midfield in both those games, seems to have fallen out of favour at Larkhall and the club waived the seven-day rule after Griffin’s approach meaning he can speak to the player with immediate effect.

Town travel to second-placed Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday with what could be a full-strength squad, which now includes Alex Albert, a recent centre back signing from Worcester City who impressed on his debut against Wimborne Town on Saturday.

Aidan Bennett, Alan Griffin and James Mortimer-Jones are all approaching full fitness and will be involved in the matchday squad.

Exciting Forest Green youngster Tommy Anderson is scheduled to have the final game of his month’s loan but Griffin is hopeful of extending his stay.