News

Former Moat Man Devine is seen as the ideal replacement for departed assistant manager Steve Spooner while midfielder Middleton, a regular for Burton Albion reserves last season, will provide a solution to Rovers' left sided problems. Although Devine wants to get into management he sees a move back to the Moat Ground as an ideal chance to carry on playing for another two seasons while being involved in coaching. And with Spooner having left the club to concentrate on his own coaching role with Derby County, Devine and Richard Wardle will be Kenning's right hand men. "Devine is still very fit and I think he will be a great asset to us on the pitch," said Kenning. "He is very much in the same mould as Steve Spooner and I want him to become an extension of me on the pitch, organising and talking to the players." Kenning and Devine know each other from their days at Hednesford Town. "There is no substitute for experience and he will help us on the playing side as well because he can play in midfield or at the back," added Kenning. Middleton, released from his contract by the Brewers to enable him to pursue first team football, adds to Rovers' pool of young talent. "We were looking for a left sided defender and he is a natural left footer, so we are delighted to have got another talented local lad" said Kenning. "I see no reason why he cannot go straight into the team because he has a good attitude, he's a good footballer, he's strong and he's willing to learn." However, Kenning's pre-season plans have been hit by the news that striker Neil Kitching could be out of action until October as the broken leg he suffered last season has not healed properly. Said Kenning: "It is bad news because Neil was one of the first to come to me and say he wanted to sign for next season." Kenning has also lost Alex Wake, who has a 12 month contract to coach in America, while he will be talking to Graeme Fowkes in a bid to sort out his future.