Heanor Pre-match news
Gresley Rovers return to the Moat Ground for their first home league game in almost a month this Saturday, hosting Heanor Town (3pm KO). Last time Rovers were at home in the UCL league, was the disappointing 2-0 defeat against Deeping Rangers - Carl Abbot's final home game in charge of the team.
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Including that match, Rovers have failed to score in their last five outings and the interim management team of Paul Tomlinson and Chairman Gary Norton are keen to resolve that issue as well as halting the run of four consecutive league defeats, the last three of which have all been on the road.more...
Norton hinted at progress in the search for a permanent manager, stating "There was a great turnout at training this week, and Paul and I were very pleased with the attitude and hard work from the lads that were there. With a number of players returning to the group this week and new ones being drafted in, the squad is suddenly looking much healthier ahead of this weekend's game against Heanor Town"
He added, "Regarding the management situation, Paul and I committed to covering the role on an interim basis for as long as needed to ensure continuity for the players following Carl's departure. The attitude of the players since Paul and I stepped in has been brilliant, despite recent results, and Paul and I knew this arrangement might last 3 weeks, 3 months, or even until the end of the season."
"That said, there have been some developments this week. An opportunity to speak to a manager the club has previously been interested in has presented itself, and discussions have been ongoing and will continue over the coming days so let’s see how that progresses."
For tomorrow's game against Heanor, Rovers will introduce new faces following the signings of defenders Isaac Shaw and Jack Bostock last week. The interim management duo had also hoped to secure a one-month loan for an unnamed player from League One club Burton Albion. However it was confirmed this week that FA regulations prohibit step 5 clubs from loaning players on professional contracts from league clubs, blocking the move.
Exciting winger Reinaldo Forbes, on dual registration loan from Stafford Rangers, is again included in the squad after impressing on his debut for Rovers in last weekend's 2-0 defeat at AFC Mansfield.
Alby Lansdowne is available for selection once again after missing the last four matches due to suspension and holiday commitments. Ryan King may also return to the squad after missing the Mansfield trip for a wedding. Ste Hart, who recently rejoined the club, injured his knee playing padel before last weekend's game. Neither Hart nor King trained midweek, so their inclusion in the squad remains to be confirmed.
There's positive news for supporters on the injury front. Forward Kane Lee, who has been out of the squad in recent games has been running this week without any reaction to his knee problem and will train next week, aiming to possibly return to the squad for next weekend’s game at Hucknall Town. The experienced Jack Andrews is also due to train next week, after reporting positive progress with his Achilles issue and again could be set for a return to action next weekend.
With regards to long-term injuries, former Derby County defender Solomon Harrison underwent minor ankle surgery this week and is expected to resume training in two to three weeks’ time whilst defender Will Robinson remains some weeks away from returning to action as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained at Skegness Town last month.