IAN Woan believes Andy King is well placed to lead Town's escape bid from the lower reaches of division two.

Despite making a losing return to the city where he enjoyed so much success with Nottingham Forest, Woan was far from downhearted after Saturday's narrow defeat.

He also hinted he would be happy to become a permanent addition to the Town squad if his month's loan goes well.

The player only arrived at the County Ground on Friday but found himself thrust straight into the action at Meadow Lane.

The new man immediately made his presence felt as he showed glimpses of the skills that had made him such an important member of the Forest set-up.

He spent almost a decade at the City Ground, catching the eye with his pinpoint crossing and ability to bend in corner kicks with his left foot.

However, he suffered appalling injury problems during his latter spell at the club, making just two substitute appearances in 1998/99 and eventually left to join Barnsley.

When the call came from Town's new caretaker boss, Woan was happy to head to Wiltshire.

Evertonian Woan spent many afternoons as a youngster watching King in action at Goodison Park.

"I have known Andy King a long time and he asked me to come down here and help out. I was more than happy to do so," he said.

Woan found himself no longer part of Dave Bassett's plans at Barnsley but he has no regrets about his departure from Oakwell.

"It was disappointing but I can understand why. There were five or six left-sided players at the club and although my form was good I found myself surplus to requirements," he said.

Andy King's reputation was a significant factor in Woan's decision.

"I've a lot of respect for Andy and you've seen the way the lads have played today. There's a lot of spirit about them even though the league position might suggest otherwise, but if they play like that every week they'll have no problems at all," said Woan.

"Andy is a very good motivator. He got the lads geed up for the game. As you can see by the performance, it was much improved," he said.

Click here to read what the fans think - and to give us your opinion