Byfield eyeing new faces for Church - The Redditch Standard

Byfield eyeing new faces for Church

Redditch Editorial 18th Oct, 2019   0

DARREN BYFIELD is confident of completing a couple of new signings to ensure Alvechurch can kick-start their season.

The Church boss hopes last week’s battling 1-1 draw at Needham Market, courtesy of Mitch Botfield’s late leveller, can be the turning point after a sticky run of results and they will look to end a five-match winless run on Saturday when they entertain St Ives Town.

Josh Ezewele has departed to Stourbridge – who have been chasing the defender since the summer – and he has become the 12th player to leave Lye Meadow to join former boss Ian Long.

Manager Byfield has already added Cheltenham Town prospect Archie Brennan on loan and he is optimistic of completing more deals before they face St Ives, who lie one place above fifth-bottom Church.




“We have got a couple of targets we hope to get on board for Saturday,” said Byfield.

“We’ve had some bad form and some bad results but we can’t dwell on the past. We’ve got to look forward and be positive.


“We’ve got to keep improving the squad and we’re doing that. We need to find the right balance but we need the continuity. We’ve got the players but we need to build a team. That takes times to gel.

“I’m hoping last weekend can be the turning point. At 1-0 down and with the run we’ve been on, the boys showed a lot of character.”

Right-back Brennan, who made his Cheltenham debut earlier this season, quickly impressed in his first appearance for the Church at Needham.

The 18-year-old, who turned professional in the summer, has joined on loan with the Robins keen for the teenager to experience men’s football.

“Archie is highly rated at Cheltenham and he did really well for us,” said Byfield. “He is initially on loan and we will see how it goes.”

Meanwhile, Byfield felt Ezewele had his ‘head turned’ after the interest from Stourbridge.

The Glassboys had offers rejected for the former Redditch and Kidderminster player at the start of the season but they succeeded in signing him.

“In the end, it’s a move that suits both parties,” said Byfield. “Stourbridge have been after him for a while and he has had his head turned.

“We thank him for his services at Alvechurch and wish him the best of luck but we have to concentrate on the players we have at the club.”

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