PHIL POWER has arrived to help play a part in reviving Radcliffe Borough's season.
As manager Kevin Glendon says, Boro have had a terrible time since those heady days back in November when they won through to the first round of the FA Cup and that tie with Natiowide League York City at Gigg Lane.
A combination of transfers, bad weather and postponements and, of course, one or two injuries have seen Boro sink to next to bottom spot in the UniBond League table.
Whilst they have games in hand on most of their rivals, those matches have to be won . . . and that's where Power comes in.
The former Chorley and Altrincham hitman has a wealth of non-league experience and, alongside loan signing Neil Ross -- and top scorer Neill Hardy -- when he returns from injury -- it's to be hoped they can conjure up that vital missing ingredient -- goals!
"Phil had his contract paid up by Altrincham because of their financial difficulties and it's fabulous that he chose to come to us because Lancaster and Droylsden were after him too," said Glendon.
"He came down to training, enjoyed it and now he's looking to try to take us up the table."
At the other end, goals have been going in a little too frequently lately and Glendon was hoping to add a defender to his ranks, possibly before Saturday's game at Bradford Park Avenue.
While Power comes in, Dave Collins, Ian Callaghan and Craig Taylor have all gone out -- temporarily.
All three have gone on loan, Collins to Curzon Ashton in the North West Counties First Division and Callaghan and Taylor to Atherton Collieries, who also play in the NWCL Division One.
"They all need to be playing regularly. That's why I have let them go out on loan for a spell," said Glendon.
Back at Stainton Park, strikers Lee Kissock, formerly with Tranmere, and Lee Peagram, an Everton youngster, will be bidding for places in the Boro first team.
Kissock made a big impression when he came on as a substitute in last week's League Cup clash with Stalybridge Celtic and Glendon was planning to give him at least half a game again at North Ferriby on Tuesday night before the weather washed that one out too. "Kissock impressed against Stalybridge," said Glendon. "He looked to be a bit of a handful. Peagram has been down for three training sessions now and seems to be settling in too."
Ross will be fit to face high-riding Bradford after pulling out of the Stalybridge game minutes before kick-off after damaging a thigh in the pre-match warm-up.
Glendon added: "I fancy Bradford to go up this season and it's going to be hard against a team who are second in the table after not having played many matches ourselves recently."
BORO have also signed up a new commercial manager in the shape of former marketing and promotions man Barry Sharratt, who hails from Failsworth.
Barry will be working alongside lottery manager John Stringer aiming to attract sponsors and organise golf days, sportsman's dinners and other fundraisers. He can be contacted on 0161-724 8346.
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