Jaanai Gordon is true number nine, says Hereford FC boss

The 25-year-old signed ahead of Hereford’s midweek win over Blyth and despite having only trained once with the team he played 70 minutes.

Gordon signed on a dual-registration deal from Stratford Town where he was top scorer with nine goals in 19 games this season.

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The Bulls boss feels Gordon is the true number nine they needed.

“We’ve brought in Dan Smith and he’s ended up carving out a position out wide with his work-rate and endeavour," said Gowling.

“We put Miles (Storey) down the middle and he scored three in four. He’s really direct and pacey but Miles would say he’s probably not the best in the air and he probably doesn’t hold the ball up the same.

“Where as Jaanai (Gordon) is more of a true number nine. He will hold the ball up, link play up and also run in behind.

“It’s something we haven’t had all season so it’s nice to get a nine like that through the door.”

Starting his youth career at Luton Town, he then spent five years at Peterborough United, including three years as a senior where he made four appearances.

He then moved to West Ham United in 2014, but failed to make an appearance. Instead, he was sent on loan to Chelmsford, Nuneaton, Sligo Rovers and Newport County.

He has since had spells at clubs including Cheltenham Town, Tamworth, Banbury United and Oxford City.

“He finds himself here for many different reasons,” added Gowling.

“He was at West Ham and looked as though he was going to have a glistening career. Sometimes lads lose their way a little bit.

“He had a bad injury as well and did his ACL. I know how that can effect you especially psychologically.

“He’s looking to re-build his career. He’s been at Stratford, done well there. He knows the level and the rough and tumble of the level.

“He has pace, runs in behind and wants to score goals. He had only trained with us once before the game on Tuesday night and I thought he showed a really good account of himself.

“He held the ball up well and linked up play well. I’m really pleased to see when he settles in what he’s going to bring to the football club.”

Jaanai Gordon. Picture: Steve Niblett/Hereford FC

TEAM NEWS

The Bulls have no fresh injury concerns after Tuesday night’s midweek win over Blyth Spartans so could name an unchanged side.

James Vincent has been building his fitness returning from an injury and played 45 minutes against Blyth so could come into the starting 11.

Miles Storey will be out while he follows concussion protocols before he moves into non-contact and then contact training in a ‘couple of weeks’.

Also on the side-lines injured after Harry Pinchard and George Forsyth.

Forwards Victor Sodeinde and Pa Njie are competing for a place in the matchday squad and have impressed manager Gowling in training.

“Pa has trained really well today (Thursday) and it’s probably his best session that he’s done today, added Gowling.

“Victor (Sodeinde) again did well today and scored quite a few goals. We’ve got to get lads in gradually.

“We’re looking at them for Saturday but they probably won’t come into the team. For Victor (Sodiende), Jaanai (Gordon) coming in has given him a bit of bite about him actually.

“He trained well today, scoring goals and it has given him that edge which he has probably not had. It’s all about training and good habits, if I see good training performances and good habits then lads will be in contention.

“If I don’t see that then they won’t get picked.”