News

Tamworth promoted to the Beazer Homes League Midland Division after clinching the Banks’s League title with a 1-0 win at Gresley on the last day of the season, are attempting to lure three members of Rovers’ Derbyshire Senior Cup winning squad away from the Moat Ground.

Northwood blasted: “The money they’re offering players is unbelievable. I don’t think even a club of Burton Albion’s status could match it. When players who’ve just sweated all season to complete the League and Cup double for Tamworth get to hear about what’s going on, they’re not going to be very happy.”

Top of Tamworth’s shopping list is Gresley’s top scorer Martin Devaney. Lamb boss Graham Smith has already had talks with the 25-year-old forward and team-mate Mark Bromley.

But Rovers’ have successfully warded off a bid for Bob Aston by persuading the highly rated goalkeeper to sign a contract that will keep him at the Moat Ground for the next two years.

Northwood said: “Bob was the one I was really worried about because I think he’s the best keeper around for many a mile.”

Devaney, who has also been offered terms by another unnamed club, expects to decide on his future next week.

He said last night: “It’s all a bit up in the air at the moment. I’m torn between leaving Gresley, where I’ve had two good seasons and made a lot of friends, and joining a club which can offer me a higher grade of football.”

Northwood is keen to keep Devaney, but warned: “Gresley Rovers are not going to be held to ransom. I’ve already a replacement in mind.”

Defender Bromley, however, could make the move to Tamworth following Gresley’s decision not to renew his contract.

Two more back-four players, Dean Page and Player of the Year Martin Dick, have signed contracts that will keep them at the Moat Ground next season.