WHITCHURCH Alport manager Adam Shillcock has completed his squad strengthening and challenged his players to end the Midlands Premier League season on a high.
The Reds have signed forward Nicky Parker who returns to the club from Market Drayton Town while also swooping to sign goalkeeper Josh Hyde and forward Macauley Taylor from JD Cymru Premier side Newtown.
Shillcock said: "We look ahead now with optimism.
"We have beaten off stiff competition to get Nicky. He will be a fans' favourite because he leaves everything in the pitch and will give us that extra edge up top.
"I felt it imperative to provide competition to our No1 Jack Sheward and Josh has the necessary character and quality to provide this while Macauley gives us an extra dimension and quality across the front line with both feet and an eye for goal."
Shillcock also praised Arron Simms after rejecting the overtures of several admiring clubs to remain loyal.
OTHER NEWS:
- Bulldozers move in in preparation for Whitchurch swimming pool rebuild
- Businesses say Whitchurch Civic Centre demolition plan is 'detrimental' to town
- Abandoned Whitchurch puppies' new lives courtesy of Becca the vet
"Failing injury that will pretty much be us settled until the end of the season," said Shillcock. "Our off season recruitment is firmly underway and we know what direction we want to go with our targets."
Despite their hopes for cup silverware being dashed, the Reds' boss insisted the club had 17 games to develop its squad - starting with a trek to Bewdley Town on Saturday.
"We have 17 games to develop a group with a brand and a purpose," said Shillcock. "I want characters who love the football club and are prepared to do anything together to take this club into step four.
"I want us to be their sole focus - dedication to all things Alport . It’s no coincidence what we have done with our recruitment - with the right mentoring and support this group will hit their peak together.
"I need this group to demonstrate consistency because at times we’ve shown a lack of maturity but this will come with experience and exposure.
"We must apply second half thinking to everything we do now as there is no time to waste. "
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here