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Willis & Clarkey get to work....

Willis & Clarkey get to work....

Nick Dargan8 Dec 2017 - 09:14
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Willis & Clarkey get to work....

New managers Mark Clarke and Willis Francis have wasted no time in getting to work at Grange Park.

Having started with two excellent and much needed league wins at home to AFC Wulfrunians and away last week at Lye Town they were unlucky in defeat on penalties away against Evostik opponents Belper Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup.

But its in refreshing the squad they have been busiest in their first two weeks in the job.

Both Willis and Clarkey were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the squad they inherited from Steve Welsh both in terms of the young players who have gained valuable experience during the season so far as well as the more experienced players.

They have wasted little time adding to the squad bringing in the following players;

Josh Thornton - a 27 year old experienced utility player who has played at Arnold, Carlton and Basford United

Fabian Smith - a 32 year old experienced, versatile central midfielder/defender who has played at Basford United, Hucknall Town, Carlton and Grantham

Diaz Cameron - a hard working 19 year old who impressed during his time with them at Basford United Community.

Jack Duffy - a 19 year old striker who has played at Basford United and is top goalscorer for Nottingham Trent University

Akim Akinbinu and Rackeem Reid - two more 19 year old wingers also recruited from Nottingham Trent University and

Ross Parker - returning to Grange Park having previously left to join Belper Town and having just recovered from serious injury; we are all delighted to see fans favourite Ross return to Grange Park.

Clarkey and Willis say that they have set themselves no "public" target as regards league position for the current season but are keen to make sure they establish an excellent, settled squad with the right blend of youth and experience. Coupled with access to the Club's exciting development and academy teams managed by Paul Holland and Steve Welsh, they hope to be in a position to challenge at the top end of the Total Motion Midland Football League Premier Division next season.

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