Sunday, 12th October 2008

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- Andy Parker – Burton Mail

24th July 1991
Gresley Rovers were today poised to clinch the signature of highly-rated teenage defender Stuart Evans.

Evans, a centre half who spent last season with Wolves, making a string of reserve team appearances, has been trailed by a posse of Midlands non-league clubs but opted for Gresley after training at the Moat Ground.

Evans said last night: “They’re a good bunch of lads at Gresley and it’s obviously a very good club – getting to Wembley last season speaks for itself.

“I had a season at Wolves playing in the reserves but couldn’t break into the first team. I still want to get into professional football though, and while I’ve come down a couple of steps to join Gresley I’m looking to step back up into the league.”

Rovers boss Frank Northwood said: “Stuart is only 19 but he’s got terrific experience from playing at Wolves and comes highly recommended. Sammy Chapman, the former Wolves manager, reckons he can get back into league football and we’d obviously be delighted if he can achieve that aim.”

Northwood last night launched a verbal broadside at Fourth Division Chesterfield after the two clubs failed to agree a date for the sides’ traditional pre-season Derbyshire Rosebowl clash.

The veteran boss stormed: “They said they were prepared to try and fit in a date if any of their pre-season fixtures fell through, but we’re not prepared to play second fiddle to anyone – league club or not.”

Rovers’ plans to meet FA Vase final opponents Guiseley in a pre-season friendly have also fallen through after Guiseley were only able to offer a midweek date for a game.

Instead Northwood has completed his pre-season schedule by fixing a friendly with neighbours Stapenhill at the Moat Ground on Tuesday, August 13th.

Rovers are also hoping to make the annual Johnson Cup clash with Burton Albion a two-legged affair to be played in mid-season.

Said Northwood: “I’ve spoken to Burton’s manager Brian Fiddler and he agrees with me that it would be best to play the game when both sides are at full-strength. It would be nice to make the game a two-legged affair played during the season, which would obviously be an attractive fixture for both clubs.”

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Rovers Make A Point On The Road

Lincoln Pre-match News

At home to:
Willenhall Town (UniBond President's Cup 2nd Round)

Tuesday 14th October, 7.45pm

View previous encounters with Willenhall Town