Boxing Day Derby News
Gresley Rovers will host near-neighbours Ashby Ivanhoe in a highly anticipated Boxing Day derby clash at the Moat Ground (kick-off 1pm). Rovers will look to bounce back from their first defeat under new manager James Jepson and are hoping for a bumper crowd for the festive fixture.
Adding to the occasion, former Moat legend Royce Turville will be a special guest. Turville, who also shares an affinity with Ashby Ivanhoe, made 180 appearances for the Rovers, scoring 74 goals. He was a key figure in the club’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns in 2011 and 2012.
More...
In squad news new signing Osiris McDonald, brother of striker Massiah McDonald, is set to feature after being brought in from Radford on Christmas Eve. Additionally, goalkeeper Karami Ceesay has joined the squad, with manager James Jepson confident the pair will bolster the squad. In other news recent signing Andrea Raceala has left the club after just one late substitute appearance for the club in the last home match against Wisbech Town. Adding to the occasion, former Moat legend Royce Turville will be a special guest. Turville, who also shares an affinity with Ashby Ivanhoe, made 180 appearances for the Rovers, scoring 74 goals. He was a key figure in the club’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns in 2011 and 2012.
More...
On the Boxing Day clash Jepson commented “Welcoming Osiris to the club gives us a huge and much-needed lift. He’s the type of player who can help us step up.”
He added “Karami Ceesay has also joined us. I worked with him at Step 3, and I’m confident he’ll improve our squad. While changes to the squad can sometimes take time, I’m fully prepared to make them because nothing but the best is good enough for Gresley Rovers Football Club.”
Reflecting on recent performances, Jepson was clear in his assessment stating “Last weekend’s performance against Shirebrook simply wasn’t good enough. It’s a reflection of why the club has underperformed this season and last. I’ve made changes to the squad and the starting lineup for Boxing Day, and I’ll continue to make adjustments until we get it right and achieve the consistency we’re aiming for.”
Jepson also addressed the tough decisions he is having to make at the moment adding “It might seem harsh or impulsive to leave players out or release them, but Saturday’s display against a team second from bottom was unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. We’ve been here five or six weeks now, played three games, and learned a lot. I don’t expect my players to be perfect, but I do expect progress¿1/2¿1/2"and I’m starting to see some of that with the changes we’ve made.”
Rovers are determined to deliver a strong performance for the Moat Ground faithful and keep the festive spirit alive with a victory in this Boxing Day clash.
