News

The interim management team of Paul Tomlinson and Gary Norton had hoped for a boost to their selection options with the return of striker Jenson Cooper and Captain Alby Lansdowne, both of whom missed the last three games due to suspension. While Cooper is included in the squad for tomorrow's match, Lansdowne has confirmed his unavailability for the game due to a family trip to Centre Parcs.

The depleted and injury-ravaged squad continues to face significant challenges. Harrison Solomon remains sidelined with an ankle issue and will undergo a minor surgical procedure next week through the PFA, with hopes of returning around mid-December. Jack Andrews will be out for at least another week as he recovers from an Achilles problem, while Kane Lee is still absent due to a fluid-on-the-knee issue. Will Robinson is not expected to return from his hamstring injury until December, and Ryan King will miss the match due to a wedding commitment.

In a positive development, winger Reinaldo Forbes has joined the club on a dual registration basis from Stafford Rangers. The former Hednesford Town player has been allowed to link up with Rovers on a short-term basis by Rangers manager and former goalkeeper Dale Belford.

Gary Norton confirmed that efforts to recruit new players have intensified following the board's decision to retain the interim management duo for the foreseeable future. Norton stated, "Following a board meeting earlier this week, it was confirmed that Paul and I would continue in the interim role moving forward. This allows the club to take its time in deciding on a long-term management strategy."

Norton added, "Paul and I have conducted an in-depth review of our squad situation this week. Given the ongoing availability and injury issues, we are taking much-needed action and will be adding some new blood to the group. In my personal view, the team's collective mentality and overall squad balance need significant improvement. Moreover, we need to be stronger, fitter, and much more organized. Additionally, there are some players need to show much bigger commitment to the cause in terms of availability for games and training, or they may well find themselves leaving the club."

He concluded, "There are significant gaps in strength, depth, and quality in key areas of our squad, and we've begun addressing these issues. As an initial step, we've secured a one-month loan deal with Burton Albion for a player. However, we're currently awaiting clearance from the UCL to confirm his eligibility for tomorrow's match. Additionally, we've reached an agreement today to sign central defender Jack Bostock from Hanley Town. Hanley are in the process of terminating his contract via the FA, which will allow him to join us. Realistically, we expect him to be available from next week, although there's a slim chance the paperwork could be finalized in time for the AFC Mansfield game. We have also signed Isaac Shaw, who is a left sided player from Oxford based at Nottingham University and is a teammate of Jacks and Isaac will join the group from next week onwards."