New signings Sebastien Arnolin and Chris Hanna have added a touch of quality at Hednesford – but it’s a homegrown player who could provide the magic long term.
Arnolin and Hanna arrived on a month’s loan from Stafford Rangers and Walsall respectively in time for last week’s 2-1 FA Trophy exit against Guiseley.
Both were impressive figures as the Pitmen, fielding three debutants with Neil Brisco, somehow conspired to waste chances galore, hitting the woodwork four times and having four efforts cleared off the line.
But Ross Dyer is the man who the club have high hopes for long term.
The 18-year-old striker, who has been at the club for 10 years, scored a hat-trick in the recent 6-1 thumping of Stamford.
And manager Phil Starbuck believes the youngster has the ability to be the elusive goalscorer the club are seeking at Keys Park in years to come. “Potentially, Ross is that man,” said Starbuck. “He’s only a bairn and has a lot to learn – he’s not the best at jinking in the box or going past players.
“But he has strength and pace and against Stamford, he had one of the best games I’ve ever seen him play.
“Not just because of his goals, but the nature of his runs. That’s something we’ve been working hard on in training.
“Sometimes he stands “flat” and we wanted to get better movement out of him with regard to playing off the back man and when the ball comes down the channels.”
Starbuck believes Dyer can learn from Alan Nagington as he looks to continue his development.
“Both of them csn score goals if we create chances for them,” said the boss.
“But Alan is a clever player and has scored goals wherever he’s been. He’s sharper with his passes, he gets around the box and he anticipates things well.
“It’s just getting Alan on the pitch that’s the only problem!”
As for Arnolin and Hanna, Starbuck believes they will provide a short term injection of quality after showing glimpses of quality from a higher level last week.
“Sebastien showed very good feet, he’s got great ability and he got forward well,” said the Keys Park chief.
“He works hard too but just lacks a bit of match fitness, but he’ll get that here.
“Chris did very well – he’s a very intelligent lad, he’s very quick and he caused them problems so I was really happy with him.
“Their arrival has strengthened us considering what we’d come from in terms of injuries and we’re hopeful we can get some players back.”
Casualties are showing signs of easing, with Chris Adam (hamstring) and Mario Pedro (thigh) expected back for today’s clash at Unibond premier division leaders Witton Albion, while Ross Adams and Dyer shook off recent knocks.
But midfielder Steve Palmer, who has a broken bone in his foot, Reece Styche, who has just had his plaster removed from a broken ankle, still some way away from fitness.
Tom Ward, who injured his calf just after recovering from a similar injury on his opposite leg, has been referred to a specialist to have some orthotics made.
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