IAN LONG is confident the capture of hot-shot Kyle Brady will add to Alvechurch’s attacking arsenal for their debut in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.
The Church boss has been busy bolstering the treble winners’ goal threat with the arrival of Luke Keen and Luke Yates and Brady has also agreed to join after impressing in pre-season training.
Black Country-based Brady has experience in the Northern Premier, having played for Halesowen Town, Stourbridge and Rushall Olympic, while the powerful front-runner was with AFC Wulfrunians last season.
“We’ve got some competition for Kyle’s signature but we’re optimistic he will agree to join us,” said Long. “He is an elusive sort of striker. He pops up into different areas and brings a lot of creativity. He is an all-round striker, with an eye for goal and that will only strengthen the squad.”
Alvechurch are continuing to cast the eye over a number of trialists and full backs Luke English, from Redditch Borough, and Brett Lloyd, from Cadbury Athletic, will both feature in Wednesday’s opening friendly at Tipton Town.
Long has been delighted with how the players have reacted to a demanding pre-season fitness programme, but stressed it will be vital Alvechurch hit the ground running when the Division One South season begins on August 12. Fixtures will be announced on July 13.
“Pre-season has been tough but credit to the boys, they know they need to raise their game,” said the manager. “The bottom line is that the end of the league season wasn’t good enough, even though we had won the league.
“The start of the season and the end of the season wasn’t good enough. It was the middle of the season that made the difference. Going up another level, we need to hit the ground running if we want to be successful. From the work the lads are doing, the message has hit home.”
