News

Manager Gary Norton commenting on the latest addition told Gresley FC online: "After the recent bad weather we have been looking at the amount of games we have to potentially pull in between now and the end of the season.

"From the discussions the club have had this week it looks unlikely that the league are going to extend the season so we will pretty much be playing twice a week almost every week between now and the end of the season.

"We currently have a minimum of 20 games to play in around 11 weeks and that's without any further potential progress in the FA Vase. Whilst we are very mindful that the lads have done brilliantly for us so far this season we only need a couple of injuries to key players and we would be struggling. It's for that reason we are trying to make sure we are covered squad wise in all areas wherever possible."

He added: "With the addition Matt Gardnder a couple of weeks back and now Marc we feel we have a decent enough sized squad with quality options in key areas to hopefully be able to cope with the challenge ahead of playing Saturday/Tuesday each week.

"Once into those games we will invariably pick up some injuries here and there so we want to make sure we have the required quality in the squad in all areas of the pitch when needed.

"We also know that one or two of the lads have availability issues coming up for some midweek matches so the extra bodies will hopefully help us cover those issues without weakening us. Marc has been doing well at Mickleover in the last few seasons but found himself down the pecking order of late so had recently been getting some games in for fitness out on loan.

"Initially we were just looking to take him up on his offer to sign dual forms for us as cover just incase we needed it later in the season but during discussions with Marc it was clear he was keen for a permanent move and so has joined us on that basis.

"This is great news for us especially as Barry Woolley's expected return to the squad in the New Year hasn't happened because of his continued work commitments. Marc knows plenty of our lads well which will help him settle in quickly."

With Gresley's fine run of results putting them in a good position for the last third of the season Norton is mindful that he doesn't unsettle a steady ship and has made it clear to his new signings that patience may be required in the next few weeks.

On this Norton stressed: "Both Matt and Marc joined us knowing we have been on a great run of form and that the lads who have been playing have been doing very well. They are both happy to work hard in training and be patient to wait for a chance.

"They are both signings of very good quality and it now means we not only have strength in depth in terms of numbers but hopefully the quality we need as we enter the final third of the season with all to play for on a couple of fronts."

Strzyzewski's registration for the club was completed on Friday meaning he is eligible for next weekend's re-scheduled FA Vase game at St Ives if selected.