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Rovers bank on Wardle
Story courtesy of
Gresley Rovers boss Frank Northwood this week gave Moat Ground fans their first glimpse of his latest “discovery” – 20-year-old midfielder Richard Wardle.
And the veteran supremo was quick to praise the contribution of the Chasetown-based Barclays Bank worker after the youngster had given a satisfactory account of himself on his home debut.But there was sympathy, too, for deposed midfielder Craig Weston, the Wembley hero whose place is now in jeopardy following Wardle’s arrival.
“Obviously, it was a very hard decision to leave Craig out,” said Northwood. “But Richard has done very well for us and has extra ball-winning qualities.”
Wardle was certainly eye-catching against Oldswinford, laying on a goal for Paul Acklam with a pinpoint cross and coming close to marking his debut with a goal of his own.
The youngster began his career with Tamworth after being spotted playing Sunday soccer and forced himself into the first team reckoning at the Lamb last season.
But a managerial shake-up at the Beazer Midland club left him in the cold – until Rovers stepped in.
Said Wardle: “It was a good experience for me at Tamworth but there was a change of faces before I left. Gresley are a good footballing team, well organised and with a good set-up so I’m looking forward to becoming part of it.”
