ALVECHURCH have targeted one-time West Bromwich Albion prospect Jordan Francis to bolster their squad ahead of a busy December period in Southern Premier Central.
Having had a two-week break after Tuesday night’s postponement against Stratford Town, fourth-placed Church begin a run of eight matches in the next month when they visit Biggleswade Town on Saturday.
Manager Ian Long and No 2 Rich Colwell are conscious that they need reinforcements following the recent departure of three players – Yusifu Ceesay, Danny O’Callaghan and Taylor Morrison – and the boss confirmed they had made a seven-day approach for Erdington-based Francis.
The attacking midfielder, who progressed through Albion’s youth set-up to the U21 and U23 ranks, had been with Romulus before joining Corby in the summer, helping the Steelmen to push for promotion.
“We are lacking a bit of pace after Yusifu went back to Blackpool and Jordan is someone who is quick and dangerous,” said Long.
“He has done well with Corby and they doing well at Step Four but hopefully the fact he lives in Erdington could tempt him to join us.”
The manager added: “We do need to add to the squad after we’ve lost a few players and with the number of games we’ve got coming up. We’ve got eight matches in December so we’re playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.
“If we got a couple of injuries, we could be in trouble.”
Alvechurch’s options have been further reduced with the FA slapping goalkeeper Charlie Price with a three-game ban.
He was involved in a fracas in the game against Kettering Town at the end of September, although he was not in the matchday squad.
Long was frustrated the ban was confirmed five hours before Tuesday night’s scheduled game with Stratford, although Church do have options for the No 1 shirt with Matt Sergeant and Paul Evans vying for a call-up against Biggleswade.
It will be a tough test, with the Waders lying seventh, having lost just twice and having dumped National League South side Gloucester City out of the FA Trophy last weekend.
After the trip to Biggleswade, Church head to Halesowen Town on Tuesday. The Yeltz have this week appointed former Redditch boss Rob Smith as their new manager.
Alvechurch expect the two-week break since their last outing against St Neots to have allowed midfield pair Mitch Botfield (groin) and Tom Turton (knee) time to shake off their injuries.
