Thursday, 28th August 2008

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- Burton Mail

3rd August 1987
Brilliant keeper Karl Austin is ready to turn down a move to non-league giants Kettering and fight for a place in the plans of Gresley Rovers’ boss Frank Northwood.

Northwood revealed last night that Rovers were on the brink of accepting a £2,000 offer for Austin from Alan Buckley’s GM Vauxhall Conference side.

But last-gasp talks with the 25 year-old Moat Ground star ended with a “don’t sell me” plea.

Speculation about Austin’s future was rife when he failed to report for training with teammates last month.

Northwood said: “We heard nothing from him, but as a contract player we were determined he would go only on our terms. Kettering came in with a substantial offer that Atherstone were also prepared to match.

“But Karl turned up at Gresley on Saturday and made it clear that he wanted to stay. He’s had a few problems this summer, but they’ve been sorted out now and he’s prepared to fight for his place. Obviously, I’m very pleased about that because he’s a class player.”

It means a straight fight between Austin – regarded as one of the best keepers in the Banks’s League – and newcomer Mark Deville for a place in the Gresley’s line-up when their league campaign gets underway on August 15th.

Deville, a former Stafford Rangers and Leek Town player, is also highly rated and seemed certain to win Northwood’s vote until Austin’s return to the Moat Ground.

Rovers face their toughest pre-season test so far tomorrow when they meet Beazer Homes League Premier Division side Shepshed Charterhouse at the Moat Ground (7.30 pm).

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