IAN LONG hopes highly-rated striker Jamie Spencer can rediscover his love of football after an eve-of-season move to Alvechurch, writes Colin Stoner.
Having been full-time with Kidderminster Harriers and then been freed after pre-season training with Redditch United, Spencer has rejoined another of his former clubs ahead of tomorrow’s (Saturday) FA Cup tie at Haughmond.
Long had been keen to recruit Spencer during the summer but the former Coventry City and Birmingham City youth teamer opted for the higher level Reds.
But Churchmen boss Long believes joining Alvechurch is the perfect move at this stage of Spencer’s career.
“I think we are just what Jamie needs,” said Long. “He has been a bit unlucky with injuries and he has flitted in and out of teams but I think we can help him get his confidence and his fitness back.
“I’m a firm believer that a happy footballer is a good footballer. I’m sure with the way we do things we can get the best out of him.
“If he does well, then I’m confident the team will do well too. That’s the aim.”
Spencer had been at Alvechurch before joining Rushall Olympic and then Redditch before earning a professional deal with Kidderminster. But he only played a handful of games and was released last season and had a spell at Rushall again.
Long had approached in the summer but Spencer decided to join Darren Byfield’s new-look Reds. However, when he was released earlier this week, Spencer joined Church for training and has now signed.
“I could understand why Jamie went to Redditch for pre-season because they are a Southern Premier club and play at a higher level than ourselves. We didn’t fall out and I’m delighted he’s now signed,” added Long.
