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Frank pays tribute to super stopper Steve
Story courtesy of
Former Burton Albion defender Steve Dolby has won the seal of approval from Gresley Rovers’ boss Frank Northwood.
And that means another of Northwood’s much publicised close season signings, Stuart Watkiss, could be on his way out of the Moat Ground. Since Northwood captured former Tamworth skipper Glen West shortly before Christmas, it was clear that either Dolby or Watkiss would be squeezed out of the reckoning.
On the evidence of last Saturday’s goalless draw at Lye, the right to partner West at the heart of Rovers’ defence has almost certainly gone to Dolby.
Northwood more or less acknowledged the fact after a highly entertaining game at Stourbridge Road.
Dolby’s task has been to keep a tight rein on Gary Bastable, the Lye striker who Northwood described as “one of the awkwardest customers in the Western League.”
In the event, Bastable barely had a kick worthy of a mention and Dolby was singled out for praise by Northwood.
He said, “Steve did a tremendous job. Bastable knows every trick in the book and is a difficult player to handle, but Steve never gave him an inch. I can’t really see when young Watkiss would fit in to the shape of things at the moment. He’s a talented player, but he won’t want reserve team football so I shall probably have to tell him to look around for another club.”
With the new Dolby – West partnership supported by full backs Brian Attley and Ian Early and impressive new keeper Carl Austin; Northwood’s mid-term rebuilding operation must now be nearing completion.
There is still a question mark over Robert Philpott in midfield and there’s more than a suspicion that Northwood would like to broaden his options in attack by signing another striker.
Northwood is known to have made an approach for Dean Seymour of Lye, but the cash terms being asked by the player are thought to be a stumbling block.
His attention could now turn to Chasetown’s Peter Mould, who impressed in both games against Gresley, most recently when he scored twice against the Moatmen at Church Street.
Philpott remains something of an enigma. He has shown brief glimpses of skill but has so far failed to impose himself on a game.
Northwood may however, persevere with the Stoke-based player.
When Northwood introduced John Laws to the Moat Ground the former Willenhall failed to make a quick impression.
Now he has settled, though, his pace and energy has given Gresley an added dimension and has shown a refreshing willingness to retreat in support of his defensive colleague when Rovers have had to soak up the pressure.
