Turner on the Signing of MacDonald and Hooper

Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester about the signing of Sherjill MacDonald on an emergency loan from West Bromwich Albion and Gary Hooper from Southend.

"We approached West Brom early January. The vibes were good from West Brom, then they found themselves with a few injuries. So it was one of those that dragged on through the January window which was frustrating.

"West Brom couldn't see the way clear in January. Then we're not allowed to sign players in the first week in February. They said if they could see their way clear as soon as the emergency window opens they would consider it.

"I got a text from Mark Venus, the assistant manager at West Brom who I signed as a player at Wolves so we had that personal connection and obviously John Trewick has got connections there.

"So I think one of the important things is the manner in which we play. Mark Venus has seen us play several times this season and liked the way we try and pass it. So they are quite keen to get their players to come out and play that sort of football.

"So we were delighted to eventually get Sherjill. Difficult for him - he turned up at 12noon against Dagenham and Redbridge, met the players for the first time and went and played.

"I thought he adjusted very well.

"With Gary Hooper again it was a perlonged saga in terms of getting him signed. We enquired before the January window. It went on and then suddenly they had got several injuries. A deal Southend were going to do fell through. So he found himself back in the first team, played three games, scored a goal and then was left out again.

"Then you get the phonecall from Southend - we'll do it now if you wish.

"So the saga of telling everyone we should be signing people in January didn't materialize in January but fortunately first week of February we've done okay."

Meanwhile West Brom scored five away at Coventry in the Cup this afternoon. If that sort of form continues there must be a chance that MacDonald's loan could be extended.

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