Pitchero Non League

.....reckons if he had kept two of his stars a title push could have been launched.

The Romans have lost the services of Jack Langston and Jordan Nadat to Rushall Olympic and Redditch United respectively.

But Langston has signed central midfielder Dave Woodbine from Stafford Town, right winger Steve Brannan from Kidsgrove Athletic, veteran striker Darren Lennon, youngster Jon Baker, winger Ryan Grocott — son of former Romans boss Damian — and midfielder Adam Swain from Boldmere St Michael’s.

And Carl Allen, the left-back and skipper of the 2008 Staffordshire Senior Cup winning side, has also returned from Leek Town.

“If Jack and Jordan had stayed, along with the players I’ve brought in, we would be pushing for the title,” said Langston. “But I’m hoping we’ll be there or thereabouts again.

“Coventry Sphinx will be up there again and Loughborough University, too.

“With how they finished the season and their new ground which holds 3,000 they are looking quite strong.”

Rocester began their pre-season friendlies with a 5-0 defeat to Stafford Rangers last week — but despite the result, Langston was quite pleased with the performance.

“It was only 1-0 at half-time with three quarters of a first-team out there before I put some triallists on,” he said. “It was a lucky goal for 1-0 as well. But we didn’t pass the ball well at all in both halves.

“We’re stronger than we were last season but we miss Jack as he was such a big player for us and Jordan, too.”

Striker Chris Sterling, who was widely expected to move on after a superb season where he cracked twenty-eight goals in forty-eight games, now looks like staying with the club.

“One person I thought I would lose is Sterls,” said Langston.

“He’s turned Evesham down and is quite happy where he is.

“He’s been training well and made it to training last week the day after he lost his dad. You can’t really ask for any more than that.”

Tags: News | Rocester

• The Midland Football Alliance
• Division 1
  • + Nolan Brings in Experience to Sphinx
  • + Double Blow for Alvechurch
  • + Jackson Joins Tipton as Number Two
  • + Palmer Takes Heather St Johns Post
  • + Nolan Appointed New Sphinx Boss
  • + Knight Takes Over at Studley
  • + Some Good News For Willenhall
  • + Adams Appointed Stratford`s Joint Boss
  • + Tipton Move Quickly to Appoint Long
  • + `Fresh Start` for Coleshill
  • + Burton Quits Rangers` Helm
  • + Bridgnorth Receive Olympic Legacy Funds
  • + Clyde Makes First Bridgnorth Signing
  • + `Church Aiming High
  • + Lanns Hoping to Have Squad In Place Soon
  • + Trio of New Signings for Westfields
  • + Tivi Agree Ground Deal
  • + Five New Stratford Recruits
  • + Plenty of New Romans
  • + Tough Test for Highgate