Holleran clinches 11th signing
Rushall boss Paul Holleran this week made his 11th signing of pre-season - as one of his new boys was snapped up by Walsall.
Former Tamworth and Halesowen defender Carl Johnson has agreed a deal with the Pics to team up again with Holleran.
Johnson first arrived at Dales Lane in January but was sidelined by an eye injury.
But after finally shaking off the problem, Johnson is back in action and Holleran is looking for him to increase competition for places amongst the squad's defenders.
"Carl had a problem with his eye but that has cleared up now and he has taken part in pre-season," said Holleran. '
"Hucknall and Alfreton were also after him but I'm delighted he's decided to stay local with us.
"He's a good lad and a decent player and will put pressure on the back five. He will be a good addition to the squad."
But as Johnson signs on, teenage defender Sam Brookes has been snapped up by Walsall on a free transfer.
The 17-year-old had joined the Pics from Port Vale, playing in three of their friendlies, including against the Saddlers.
He impressed enough to be offered a trial with the League One club and has since joined their youth set-up.
"Sam was a lad Walsall were aware of and the fact he played against them brought him back to their focus," said Holleran.
"Mick Halsall clearly liked what he saw and invited him to play in their youth team game against Cambridge and has snapped him up.
"Richard Beale recommended him to me here and I thought with time he will make a few bob out of the non-league game.
"Of course we'd have liked to have him here for longer because we're delighted that we've been able to play a part in the process of him getting a chance at Walsall and we hope he can do well.
"I'm sure full time training will benefit him because Mick will teach him how to play properly."
Olympic launched their season at big spending Barton Rovers this afternoon and Holleran is looking for an improvement on last season's mid-table finish.
"You're always looking to move forward," said Holleran.
"There always comes a time as a club when you want to stabilise but we want to make that next step.
"We've had a couple of seasons in this division now and we want to push on.
"I'm pleased with the players I've been able to bring in and I know we will be fit, well organised and competitive.
"As a manager that is all you can ask. We've got a tough start and we'll have an idea where we are after that.
"We've got Barton, Chasetown, Leamington and Evesham all in the first month and we need to make sure we get points on the board to be in and around the top six.
"After 10 games we want to be somewhere near and that is what we're aiming to do.
"In a normal league if you can average two points a game you will be promoted, but I think in this division even 1.5 points a game might be enough to stay in the top six area.
"There are some good sides but I don't see a Brackley or a Bromsgrove that raced ahead, so I think that could make it most interesting."
