Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
"It's been a good week for business"
Jamie Barrett
"It's been a good week of business" was the expression to use to describe the busy activity of securing the services of some of the young stars of Gresley Rovers, as the management looked to defend the Club from the approaches made by higher league clubs for its players.
Whilst Gresley was disappointed to lose Karl Brown to Runcorn, it "understood" the move because of the proximity to his home and an opportunity to play in the Conference North; it is delighted that several key players have made commitments to remain at the club."Jamie Barrett has given Gresley Rovers a big boost by announcing that he has turned down a move to Southern League Premier division side Hednesford Town. Barrett was the subject of an approach by the Pitmen and spent Monday and Tuesday evening in talks at Keys Park.
Manager Gary Norton could not hide his delight when talking about Barrett's decision to stay: "Everyone at the club is delighted that Jamie has decided to stay. The offer from Hednesford was a significant one but again one of our players has turned down the offer of an improved package and the chance to play at a higher league to remain with us. Jamie staying has shown a huge commitment to the club. He's having one of the best seasons of his career and that's why clubs are interested in him. The lads are delighted too, we have a great team spirit here, and he recognises that we have the chance to achieve something here this season and wants to be an integral part of that."
Numerous other members of the current squad have attracted interest from other clubs and Norton revealed that he and the Chairman have been working tirelessly to try and ensure that all the clubs stars remain at the Moat Ground. Norton commented: "The interest in players from other clubs whilst flattering has started to become unsettling and it distracts us from what we are trying to achieve this season on the pitch. We have had one of the best starts to a campaign in the clubs history and we need to build on that and we can't do that if other teams take our best players"
Top scorer Aaron O'Connor and Liam Hebberd have this week agreed deals that will keep them at the Moat ground for the remainder of the season. O'Connor has been the subject of interest from Conference sides as well as a Midlands based league club. Norton revealed his relief that his summer signing from Ilkeston had agreed a new deal with the club. "Aaron loves it here and he's really enjoying his football for the firstt season in a while. He had verbally committed to stay for the rest of the season but I didn't want to take any chances so we have agreed a deal till the end of the season at least. It's the same with Liam Hebbard. He's one of the clubs most exciting young prospects and has already chipped in with 5 goals this term. It's a big season for him we have high hopes for his future. The news that Jamie, Aaron, and Liam are committed to the Club is great news and means we can now get things settled again and get on with business on the pitch"
