News

Gresley Rovers Manager Gary Norton and Chairman Mark Evans are both in agreement that any signing would have to be on a basis where the player would have been available for a continuous period of matches – however small and that does not seem viable with Stan Collymore’s current commitments.

Mark Evans commented that both he and Gary took the view that “It just would not be fair to the squad to bring somebody in with the knowledge that the person concerned would not be readily available for selection over a continuous period. It would mean someone being dropped one week and then asked to play another.”

Gary added that Stan is a man in demand both from his existing media commitments and new opportunities – let alone other football clubs interested in signing the former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker.

Both Gary and Mark stressed how very appreciative of the interest he (Stan) has shown in the Club and the time he took to visit us. “We believe it to be a budding relationship and we do not believe the door is closed, there may be many ways in which Stan can and would help us out – it’s just realistic that we acknowledge the facts”.

“He was prepared to listen – we enjoyed the day, 3 points, double over Solihull and Stan Collymore was at the Moat Ground”.

Gary commented that “We have a great squad of players, and we are looking to build and develop a team of players that will be able to help us face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The next few months are vital in our bid to reach our top seven target that will afford us Premier division status for next season. For us to reach that goal I need as tightly knit, and settled squad as possible”

“Other clubs have rumoured to have put huge financial offers towards Stan for the odd game here and there but that’s not the sort of deal we are interested in. Some of the figures being banded about are astronomical, if any deal is to be possible it would be on the basis of his availability over a few games and not just the odd one here and there”

Mark Evans revealed that both he and Gary were already planning for next season and that a series of additional meetings were scheduled to finalise arrangements. “We are both very excited about the future for Gresley Rovers”.