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Stanborough signs
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers have completed the signing of defender Nick Stanborough from Hinckley Athletic for a small fee.
The 24-year-old centre half put pen to paper after Rovers testimonial match against Derby County at the Moat Ground last night.Manager Steve Dolby said the fee paid was “in the region of the £500 previously quoted.”
Said Dolby: “We are obviously very pleased. He’s a very strong player who will add strength in terms of attacking the ball in the air and which was one of our weaknesses last season.
“Most importantly the signing adds competition for places in a position we weren’t particularly strong in in the terms of numbers. It also gives us options which we may need to use next season.”
Stanborough, a 24-year-old merchandiser from Barwell, has played little football outside Hinckley so far in his career, having joined Hinckley Athletic from Hinckley FC once shared the same Middlefield Road ground.
He said after signing last night: “It strikes me as a very friendly club, but more importantly they are forward looking and ambitious.
“I am ambitious too in football. I’m 24 and I’ve not won anything yet but Gresley are telling me that although they have got into the Premier League they’re not looking to progress, and that’s what I want to do too.”
Dolby, meanwhile, fired a broadside at Derby County after their disappointing team selection for the game.
He said: “If it had just been a friendly the game would have been an ideal work out for us, but as it is I feel very sorry for the three lads who have given such terrific service to Gresley Rovers. It’s just a pity Derby couldn’t have included one or two of their big names especially as they gave their full first team squad at Borrowash last night. It was an excellent turn out by supporters and I feel sorry for them too.”
The three beneficiaries of the testimonial, Neil Lovell, Martin Dick and Paul Acklam all paid tribute to the club and supporters for supporting their benefit year.
Lovell said: “From my point of view the best six years of my life in football have been spent here and this game was something I’ll be able to look back on and cherish in the years to come.”
