Pitmen boss to juggle options

Hednesford boss Phil Starbuck is continuing to juggle his options after another two signings yesterday.

The Pitmen completed a busy few days with the captures of Stafford Rangers midfielder Sebastian Arnolin and Walsall striker Chris Hanna on a month’s loan in time for today’s FA Trophy clash with Guiseley.

Starbuck was desperate to improve his squad having gone into this week with 10 casualties.

Frenchman Arnolin, 19, has already played several games in Rangers’ first team and is highly rated enough by boss Phil Robinson not to be considered for a permanent departure.

Hanna is a first year professional at the Banks’s Stadium who has been a regular in Saddlers reserve squads this season and came on for their second string against Port Vale in midweek.

Australian defender Ben Wells, who had been on trial at Walsall, has also signed after making his debut in the 6-1 rout of Stamford last week along with fellow newboys Wayne Dyer and Chad Shepherd.

Defensive utility man Neil Brisco, who has had spells with Port Vale and Rochdale and spent last season with assistant boss Mark Patterson at Scarborough, has also now signed.

“Sebastian can play anywhere across midfield,” said Starbuck. “He’s played a few games for Stafford and lost his place recently, but there’s no question of a permanent deal because Phil Robinson wants to keep him.

“But he’s happy to let him come to help us out for a month.”

Hednesford’s injury crisis is easing with Paul Robinson, Ross Adams, Mario Pedro and Ross Dyer declaring themselves fit.

But midfielder Steve Palmer and strikers Tom Ward and Reece Styche were ruled out for today’s tie, while midfielder Chris Adam and striker Alan Nagington were “touch and go”.

Injury-hit defender Gary Sucharewycz has signed for Hucknall to cut down on travelling from his Nottingham home with his wife pregnant.

Meanwhile Hednesford’s policy of promoting youth saw Adam Fussell, 17, make his debut at left-back against Stamford.

And Starbuck warned the club could become more reliant on homegrown talent.

“I can’t get money out of the sky,” said the Pitmen boss. “We can’t have what we can’t afford. We haven’t got the budget.

“That’s why we work hard with the players and that’s why there’s so many young players in the team.

“Adam came on as sub last week and he did well, I was pleased for him.

“He’s a good, up and coming player with a great left foot and he’s steady.

“We’ve got Tom Marshall, Ross Adams and Ross Dyer in the team and hopefully there will be a few more over the next few months.”

Last week’s 6-1 win came courtesy of a switch in tactics by Starbuck which he hopes can help his team pose more problems.

“We’re trying to play more of a pressing, high tempo game,” said the boss.

“I only want the goalkeeper throwing the ball out to the full-backs if it’s on. I want us playing in their half, and I want wingers playing higher up the pitch, in their half.”