JOHN EDWARDS is hoping the arrival of proven hot-shot Jamie Clarke can provide the spark to ignite goal-shy Studley.
The former Evesham United, Bromsgrove, Pershore Town and Littleton forward is set to return to the Beehive from Midland Premier side Highgate United.
Joint-bosses Edwards and Wayne Bunn admit they have been baffled by the lack of goals, with the Bees netting just six times in six matches so far.
The joint-managers believe their forward line will come good but they feel a new face and a change of fortune could provide the impetus.
England Deaf skipper Clarke is no stranger to the Bees, having first played for the club eight years ago, although he will have to wait until next weekend’s FA Vase tie at Boldmere St Michaels to pull on the shirt.
He misses the Midland League Division One clash at home to Chelmsley Town on Saturday because England Deaf are in international action in the countdown to next summer’s European Championships.
“Jamie has scored goals whereever he has played and will be a decent signing for us,” said Edwards, who had Clarke with him at Littleton last term.
“He is another forward to add to the mix. Maybe a new face will provide that spark.
“Jamie can hold the ball up, he is strong and quick and a different sort of striker. The forwards we have are pretty similar, wanting to get beyond the defence, and Jamie’s bit different.”
Edwards and Bunn insist they will keep their attacking mindset, but they will look for better finishing to reward their positive intent.
“We’ve got a lot of good forwards but they’ve all struggled to score,” said Edwards. “It can get frustrating when we have dominated but not got the goals we deserved but we will keep pushing and hopefully our luck will change.
“The good thing is we have defended really well. We’ve only conceded two goals in six matches so that defensive security gives us a strong base.”
After a 12-day break since their last outing against Cadbury Athletic, Studley will have to shuffle their squad against Chelmsley.
Joe Adams is unavailable but summer signing Kieran Donnelly is ready for his debut after being hurt in pre-season. Brother Jake Donnelly, who moved from Feckenham at the start of the season, is also close to contention after stepping up his training.
