One in at Valley Stadium and another is set to follow - The Redditch Standard

One in at Valley Stadium and another is set to follow

Redditch Editorial 10th Dec, 2015 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

REDDITCH United boss Liam McDonald has been busy in the transfer market in a bid to reignite the sparkle in his side.

The Reds are unbeaten in ten Southern League Premier Division matches but four successive draws have seen them drop to fifth – the final play-off spot – although they remain just two points behind second placed Chippenham Town with two games in hand.

McDonald has urged his team to play with more freedom and believes the imminent arrival of Stratford Town playmaker Rob Thompson-Brown – for whom he has made a seven-day approach and hopes to conclude a deal with next week – will be a big boost to his side.

McDonald has also swooped to bring 18-year-old midfielder Alex Fletcher to the Valley Stadium from Tividale, whilst going through the exit door is striker and former captain Danny Dubidat.




“If we can get the deal over the line for Rob Thompson-Brown (who briefly played for the Reds in 2010) I’ll be delighted said McDonald. “I regard him as Stratford’s best player, a very attacking and dangerous player who can bring a lot to us.

“I think we’ve gone into our shell a bit in recent weeks, perhaps being too conscious of protecting our unbeaten record, and I want us to get back to producing the dominant type of performances which saw us win at top sides like Chippenham and Hitchin.


“Alex was released from a professional side in the summer and then had a stint at AFC Telford and a trial at Kidderminster, so he has good pedigree and he comes straight into contention.

“Regarding Danny’s exit, it’s very amicable and both parties agreed things have not quite worked out as we hoped.

“Danny did have a purple patch around September but ultimately strikers are judged on goals and we do need more from an out and out striker.”

McDonald, whose side were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Paulton Rovers at the Valley on Saturday when they were unable to find a winner following Luke Shearer’s penalty equaliser, says he has been working on some different tactics with his side in training.

“We have some new ideas to go with because we need to improve offensively. I said we need wins and not draws and I am determined that we get back to winning ways at Histon on Saturday,” he said.

McDonald, whose side’s scheduled home match against Frome Town on Monday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, has made midfielders Jamey Osborne and Ash Sammons captain and vice-captain respectively.

The manager added: “Not only are they both gifted footballers, they have the utmost respect of their team-mates and are very good at relaying instructions on the pitch.”

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Redditch Standard newspaper.

Advertising

Advertise with the Redditch Standard to reach your audience

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.