Saturday, 11th October 2008

News Archive

25th July 2007
Tonight's game against Borrowash Victoria at the Moat Ground (7.30pm) will primarily be for triallists.

Manager Gary Norton said: "The fact Saturday's game at Rocester was cancelled has provided me with a massive headache because of the number of triallists we have.

"We were looking to split the squad for Saturday and tonight and give them an equal opportunity.

"Now, tonight will primarily be for triallists and I envisage my outfield starting line up to be made up entirely of triallists.

"The second half will see more triallists introduced and a number of existing players as some are in need of building their fitness up.

"We did have a training session on Saturday, but I had already given those due to play tonight the day off before we knew the Rocester game was off.

"My concern at the moment is that we have a lot of fitness work to do, particularly some of the lads from last season if they decide to sign for us, and we may look to add another friendly or training sessions.

"Our next two games after tonight are both in the Bass Vase, in which you are only allowed five substitutes, and I don't want to go into those two games with teams made up primarily of untried players.

"Therefore, we may use the Stourbridge game a week on Saturday to have a final look at triallists - if they are prepared to wait that long before sorting themselves out with a team.

"The worrying thing would be if I have to make some decisions having only seen people play for 30 or 45 minutes.

"The fact Saturday's game was off has put us back a little bit, but you just have to deal with these things."

Two new signings will not be used in tonight's friendly. Norton has agreed a deal with Blue Square North side Tamworth to secure the services of Luke Edwards and Adam Henchcliffe.

Tamworth have signed the duo on non-contract terms, but have entered a gentleman's agreement to allow them to play for Rovers.

Norton wanted to sign 19-year-old Burton-based Henchcliffe from Kidsgrove Athletic last season, while Edwards has been released by League Two Macclesfield.

Norton told Mail Sport: "We have agreed deals with the two of them.

"They are registered with Tamworth on non-contract terms and have played for them in pre-season.

"However, we have a good relationship with (Tamworth boss) Gary Mills and have come to an agreement over a gentleman's loan deal for the players.

"We tried to get Adam on loan last year and he played a couple of games for our reserves.

"He prefers to play on the left side of midfield, but can also play left or right full-back.

"Luke is a left-sided midfielder who was released by Macclesfield.

"He is very quick, tricky, strong, can play across the midfield, and he was one of the ones who we were very excited about right from the start of pre-season."

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