Skipper Hatfield leads the way as Borough players commit - The Redditch Standard

Skipper Hatfield leads the way as Borough players commit

Redditch Editorial 6th Jul, 2017   0

REDDITCH Borough have rubber-stamped the signings of a magnificent seven made up of last season’s heroes and recruits from the youth ranks.

Captain Jamie Hatfield, 18-goal creative catalyst Billy Garvey and last season’s joint leading appearance-maker Craig Malins are among those to put pen to paper now Midland Football League registrations have started.

Steve Joynes, who struck nine goals in ten starts and three substitute appearances last term, is joined by popular front-runner Rob Bruce, with youngsters Alex Birch and Jack Roome also earning places in the senior squad.

The news is a boost to boss Julian Workman who has lost goalkeeper Ryan Young to Studley, while Alvechurch continue to run the rule over full back Luke English.




“After such a successful campaign and rapid progress by so many of the lads, it is understandable clubs will be looking at our players,” said Workman.

“You always want to hold on to as many as you can and, while it is great so many agreed to stay on so early, it is also a relief to get the paperwork signed because you never know when clubs with decent financial resources are going to come calling at this time of year.”


Meanwhile, keeper Young paid tribute to Borough and Workman after ending his four-year stint with the club.

The 22-year-old is set to further his career between the sticks with local rivals Studley after rejecting the overtures of Bishop’s Cleeve, Worcester City and Pershore Town.

Young admitted his options had left him with a “very difficult decision” to make, but the chance to progress at the next level, plus the persuasive powers of Bees boss Keith Draper and Dan Dineen, had sealed the deal.

“It is a good opportunity for me,” said Young. “There was interest from other clubs but I want to climb the levels at the right pace, play regularly and gain experience.

“Keith and Dan played a big part in what was a very difficult decision and Julian (Workman) was brilliant too.

“I owe Julian and everyone at Redditch Borough a lot. They have done so much for me and I have only good things to say about the club.

“I felt the time was right to push myself. I want to go as far as I can in the game, that was my only reason for moving on. The way everyone at Borough understands and respects my reasons is great and says a lot about the people and the club.”

The departure left Workman with mixed emotions.

“On one hand, we are so incredibly proud to see Ryan take the next step,” he said. “After all, this club is all about helping players and people to progress.

“On the other, it is tough because we are not only losing a very good goalkeeper but also a great person. Ryan deserves a crack at a higher level.”

Borough have three pre-season friendlies lined up, kicking off with a trip to Cannock United on Saturday, July 22 before hosting Midland League Division One outfit Racing Club Warwick at the MSS on Tuesday, July 25.

On Saturday, August 5 Borough journey to Inkberrow to face the team they conquered in the Evesham Hospital Junior Cup final in May.

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