Stafford Rangers boss Neil Kitching is looking north for fresh blood
Stafford Rangers boss Neil Kitching is looking north for untapped potential ahead of his first pre-season game.
And having run the rule over a dozen trialists in the first two training sessions, he’s been impressed with what he’s seen.
Boro have already signed four players this summer, but Kitching is now closing in on two new arrivals ahead of the Evo-Stik Division One South season.
“We want fresh faces and fresh names,” said Kitching. “Not just the same old players who have done the rounds.
“We’re looking for a new impetus by shopping in different areas. We’ve brought in trialists from the Liverpool, Manchester, and Cheshire area, rather than the same pond in the Midlands.
“It seems to be working, these lads that have come in, if they continue to do as well as they’ve done it will be good for us.”
Kitching has held two training sessions so far this summer, and he’s added plenty of competition to the group.
“I’ve got to be honest, we’ve got quite a few in,” he admitted. “We’ve taken a good number of trialists, lads we’ve approached and lads that have approached us. We’re running the rule over a dozen. A number of lads from existing squad are away on holiday, but the majority are training. We’ve decided to make sure that we’ve got every area covered with regards to bringing in new faces.
“It’s going well. It’s very early days but fitness levels look good.”
The trialists will get a chance in the opening pre-season game of the summer at Stratford Town next Thursday, July 13, before Kitching puts out his first-team is put at home to Wrexham two days later.
Kitching has already added Joe Thomas, Louis Briscoe, Jack Langston and Rich Gregory to his squad.
“Jack is away on holiday, he’s not back until next week so we haven’t seen him but fitness wise he’s been doing lots over the summer,” said Kitching.
“Louis done the first two sessions, he’s looks good, still some way to go in regards of match sharpness, but we’ll get him there.
“Same with Rich Gregory and Joe Thomas, Joe is a young lad with quick feet, very sharp. We’re trying to get front end of the pitch right.”
