BROMSGROVE Sporting boss Brendan Kelly has been busy in the transfer market this week with the acquisition of two new players and has one more in the pipeline.
Experienced goalkeeper Dan Crane has signed from Bedworth United, a move which has led to popular shot-stopper Reece Francis moving on to higher-ranked Redditch United in search of regular football.
Crane, a former West Bromwich Albion product who had a stint in the Football League with Rushden & Diamonds, will provide Jonathan Brown competition for the No.1 jersey.
Kelly’s second signing is Louis Hall who has joined Sporting from Stourbridge to compliment options in defence.
The versatile 19-year-old, who was on the books at Aston Villa, can play anywhere on the left-hand side but left-back is his preferred position.
Another signing could soon be on the cards as Kelly looks to add to his midfield.
With Danny Jackman retiring from football due to an ankle injury and Liam Spink not quite back to full fitness, Kelly is keen to bring a box-to-box player to the club.
Kelly said of his signings: “I felt we lacked some leadership and experience in the goalkeeper area.
“I have admired Dan for a long time and have played against him so I know plenty about him.
“Dan will be vital to the squad and what we are trying to achieve here.
“Louis has been struggling for game time at Stourbridge as manager Gary Hackett has two players for every position so we hope he can stake a claim for a shirt here at Bromsgrove.
“He will create plenty of competition in that left-sided area.”
When asked if even more players could be brought in after a potential third signing, Kelly said: “My business is done – for now.”
League leaders Sporting will look to extend their unbeaten Southern League Division One Central run on Saturday when they make the trip to Barton Rovers.
Kelly has a full strength squad available and is confident of coming away with another positive result.
“It’s another unknown for us but that can work in your favour as you play with instinct and react to what is in front of you,” he added.
“It’s very difficult to watch teams at this level as they are so far away but if we focus on ourselves and prepare to the best of our ability, I know we can do well.
“As there are not many Tuesday games in this division, it’s important that we can play as regularly as we can so we greatly appreciate David Stephens’ (secretary) work in arranging us a game for this weekend.”
