Time to step up

Ian Britton
By KJ
July 18 2003

After Saturdays Boldmere game, Harriers will have to step up somewhat on Monday night for the visit of Leicester City. All the latest news with more trialists coming in and the squad number announced.

Time to Step up Latest News
Tomorrow sees Harriers take on Midland Alliance side Boldmere before the games step up in standard some what. After, what is a pretty low key game for Kiddie, Harriers then take on Premiership new comers Leicester City on Monday night in the first game at Aggborough, complete with the new stand. These two games will be crucial for the many trialists currently at the club. This week also saw the arrival of two more trialists, in Kyle Lightbourne and Adam Willis. Jumpjet Journal brings you up to date.
Trialists and Rumours
The latest players to arrive on trial are Kyle Lightbourne, and ex experienced 34 year old ex Walsall and Coventry striker who was released by fellow division Three side Macclesfield and Adam Willis, a Central Defender freed by Swindon Town. Willis looks a good prospect on paper and, by all accounts, was unlucky to be let go by 2nd division Swindon. The defender hails from the Coventry area and should feature over the forthcoming games. One trial player, who we wont be seeing in a Harriers shirt is Aussie defender, Kevin Murphy. Ian Britton has shown him the door already, possibly indicating that Willis could be the man. Another rumoured arrival is Efe Sodje, the old Stevenage and Macclesfield defender who looks set to leave Crewe. Sodje could be a good addition, he is a Nigerian international who played against England in last years World Cup.
Up front is another area where we need strengthening and there are plenty on trial. Kyle Lightbourne is the latest to arrive, we hear he phoned Britt to ask for a trial. Very much in the same mould is ex Swansea man John Williams, another experienced campaigner but I’m not sure either is the answer. Both are around 35 and to be honest, we need someone a little younger. Of the younger strikers on trial, none really impressed me at Evesham. Some looked ok but we do need a big man up front, basically a goal scoring Drewe Broughton. Of course the Walsall loan rumours persist and both Andy Bishop, who of course was here last season and Gary Birch are believed to be lined up. Of course Paul Merson’s arrival at Bescott may see Walsall prepared to off load some of the wage bill.
Today saw Harriers announce the squad numbers and this saw both numbers 9 and 10 blank, with Bo Henriksen keeping his number 12 shirt. At the moment we have got just 14 players signed up for the season and I believe we need at least 18 of our own players with more coming in on loan. One player who probably wont return to Kiddie, is last years loan star, JJ Melligan. The latest rumours link the Wolves youngster with a move to either Stoke City or Sheffield Wednesday.
So who will we sign ? It is difficult to tell and also to judge players. I was quite impressed with Kevin Murphy against Evesham but what do I know, he’s left already. To be honest it is so difficult to gauge in friendly games. Mind you I would say, so far, none of the trialists have got me excited. I hope I’m wrong, maybe Lightbourne or Williams could do a job here. Just because they’ve been released by clubs who finished below us doesn’t mean they cant do the business. Its just that with all the trialists, I’ve either never heard of them, or they’re around the 35 year old veteran mark. I did notice a couple of players who’ve moved in the summer and thought “ why didn’t we go for them?”. Two of these being, Lee Mills, who joined Telford United and Paul Dalglish, who has moved to Ireland with Linfield. Still Britt knows best and lets hope for a few more players coming in.
HARRIERS SQUAD NUMBERS 2003-4
1. Stuart Brock
2. Adie Smith
3. Scott Stamps
4. Danny Williams
5. Craig Hinton
6. Matt Gadesby
7. Dean Bennett
8. Sean Flynn
9. TBA
10. TBA
11. Sam Shilton
12. Bo Henriksen
14 Sean Parrish
15 John Danby
16 Lee Ayres
17 Matt Lewis