Pitchero Non League

.....horizons after signing a player he sees as the ‘Latvian Ronaldo’ — as well as Wembley goalscorer Adam Goodby.

After resigning from last season’s Zamaretto League Division One Central, the Adders’ squad reconstruction has got off to a flying start.

The management team’s links to a Polish community league near Coventry has given them the opportunity to explore what Eastern Europe has to offer — and Grainger has wasted no time.

Their most exciting aquisition is perhaps Latvian Sergejs Sokurovs, who Grainger himself dubbed as “the next Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Formerly of FC Daugava, who play at the the second level of Latvian football, the flying left winger is hot property according to Grainger, who believes the 19-year-old will attract significant attention from bigger clubs once they have seen him play.

Second on his list of international additions is Adrian Benkoski, who Grainger says has played for Legia Warsaw.

Grainger revealed the 24-year-old Polish centre back had tasted Europa League football at his former club before devastating cruciate ligament damage brought an abrupt end to his time at the club and he subsequently decided to move with his family to England.

Grainger said: “You can definitely tell he is a pro.

“He has trained with us a few times and it is clear to see that he has been at a high level of football.

“A lot of other clubs won’t give these lads a chance because of the fuss with international clearance, but we’ve put that extra effort in and hopefully we will see results next season.”

Another big piece in the puzzle for next season is former Coalville Town utility man Adam Goodby, who recently scored at Wembley in the Ravens’ 3-2 FA Vase final loss at the hands of Whitley Bay.

Add to that the majority of last season’s squad, who have declared their interest in staying at Sheepy Road and everything seems to be coming together nicely for the manager who rates their Midland Alliance chances highly.

“Well, we’re in it to win it. We wouldn’t be in this league if we didn’t think we could win it.

“We’re going to be one of the favourites for sure - we’ve kept most of the squad and made some quality additions so we’re certainly not here just to make up the numbers.

“Everybody will want to beat Atherstone Town as we’re one of the biggest clubs in this league now.

“But, it’s important for us to concentrate on ourselves more than anyone else, if we win all of our games then we’re champions.”

Tags: News | The Midland Football Alliance

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