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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).
Story posted: Friday, 27th February 2009

Team Up-date
Gresley Rovers have added young strikers Christopher Knight (18) and Ryan Spittle (19) to the squad ahead of the game against Retford United this weekend.
The pair have joined the club via a recommendation of the clubs goalkeeping coach Gary Belcher who tutors the youngsters at Dudley College where between them they have scored 35 goals this season.

Knight has had trials this campaign with the England U18 college setup and scored 22 goals for the college whilst Spittle has chipped in with 12 goals this term. Both have represented West Midlands County u18's side.

Also returning to to squad to boost attacking options is forward/winger Brian Woodall from neighbours Atherstone Town.

A deal has been agreed with the Sheepy Road club to allow Woodall to rejoin Rovers on an informal loan agreement on the understanding that they can call him back should they experience any excessive injuries on their season run in.

Manager Gary Norton was also hoping to complete the loan of striker James Knowles from Burton Albion but the deal could not be agreed ahead of this weekend as he is required for Reserve fixtures on Monday and Wednesday of the coming week.

At this stage Norton is still hopeful that a month's loan deal can be agreed in time for the Sheffield based youngster to be included in the squad for the game against Shepshed in a week's time.

Norton has been looking to increase the clubs defensive options to cover recent injuries and revealed that he had been given permission to speak to a central defender currently with another UniBond South club with a view to him moving to the Moat ground.

He has also been speaking with Eastwood Town defender Wayne Diuk however it doesn't look like agreement will be reached with him to join the club.

The Rovers boss has also been in talks with a vast number of other targets in recent weeks and added that some of those he had spoken about joining the club were ex players whom he was trying to persuade back to the club in the hope that because of their past affinity with the club they might want to help it through the remainder of this troubled campaign.

He said: "Its proving very difficult to attract the quality of player we need to the club at the moment when all we can afford is to contribute towards their petrol costs.

"I've lost count of the number of players we have spoken to in recent weeks in a bid to persuade them to join us but it always appears to come down to money. Many of those we have been after are players who are sitting on the benches of clubs who would be able to come in, play regularly and do a good job for us.

"You would think some players would be up for the chance to play regularly at this level but the problem is that most seem happy to sit on the benches of their respective teams and pick their money up each week as opposed to playing regular football.

"Its very frustrating of course but in the current climate it's something I understand. With the recent injuries we have, that has obviously meant we have had to turn to some youngsters who are not experienced at this level of football. However it's a great chance for them to sink or swim and prove if they are up to playing this standard of football."
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