Ian Long - Luke Paskins's future is with Alvechurch - The Redditch Standard

Ian Long - Luke Paskins's future is with Alvechurch

Redditch Editorial 11th Sep, 2015 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

MANAGER Ian Long believes Luke Paskin’s future lies very much at Alvechurch, despite being targeted by Lye Town.

The Lye Meadow have been surprised to receive a seven-day approach for the defender, who has been key part of Long’s former title-winning set-up at Tividale.

Paskin has yet to start for the Churchmen after hurting his ankle in pre-season but he has been improving his match fitness with some games at Cradley Town.

However, Long says Paskin remains a key pillar in what he is building.




“Luke is a massive part of our plans – he was the manager’s player of the year at Tividale last season,” said Long. “He hasn’t played simply because he is coming back from injury. It’s not the case that he is surplus to requirements.

“We hope we can fight off any intention from Lye and keep Luke at Alvechurch. If he left it would be a massive blow, but I don’t think that will be the case.”


WIth Mark Smith also injured, Alvechurch has had Rich Huckfield and Andy Parsons at the heart of their defence and the combination again proved resilient as Long’s men eased past Lichfield City 3-1 in last Saturday’s FA Vase tie.

It was Parsons who set Alvechurch on their way, heading home a Jack Cresswell free-kick on 17 minutes before Sam WIlliams doubled the lead on 38 minutes.

Clarke slotted home a penalty to give Lichfield renewed hope but Karl Edwards set up Josh March to settle the tie six minutes from time. Alvechurch will face Pilkington XXX in the next round.

Long said: “We played some good stuff but giving away the penalty like we did was sloppy and it let them back in the game. But we were well worth the win.”

Alvechurch were also in action on Tuesday night in a friendly against Bromsgrove Sporting, with hosts Sporting winning 3-1. Connor Deards netted for the Churchmen, who also gave run-outs to the likes of  Paskin, Nicky Turton, Smith, Mike Wardle and Nigel Penney.

Long’s men have no game tomorrow (Saturday) and then begin their Polymac Packaging League Cup campaign on Tuesday with a home tie against Boldmere St Michaels.

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