Holleran looking to tie up defender deal before biding time

Goalkeeper Neil Collett, seen here in action for Nuneaton, will be among the new faces when Brakes get their pre-season campaign under way with a trip to Stafford Rangers.

Promising young goalkeeper Liam Maher was the latest player to make the switch to the New Windmill and will be joined by fellow new faces Jack Edwards, Neil Collett and Stuart Pierpoint when Brakes return for pre-season next month.

Stefan Moore has rejoined from Brackley, while Holleran “is well down the road” on bringing in a right-footed defender.

However, fans anxious for further new faces ahead of the club’s second Conference North campaign will have to wait until Brakes swing into friendly action.

“There are little bits and pieces to be done, but we’re 90 per cent there,” said Holleran.

“Financially we’ve been blown out of the water a couple of times and it’s been a difficult pre-season.

“There are some bang-average players asking for crazy money.

“But we’re quite pleased with things at the moment.

“We’re mindful of the fact that players will become available as the weeks go on and we’re keeping a little back for that.”

Holleran will also include a couple of trialists when Brakes kick off their pres-season campaign at Stafford Rangers on Saturday July 12.

The game will now be followed by a home clash against Birmingham City under-21s on Wednesday July 16 (7.45pm), which has forced a change to the schedule.

The trip to Stratford Town has been now been moved back a week to Tuesday July, 22, replacing the previously advertised game against Racing Club Warwick.

Discussions are ongoing with Racing Club about the possibility of finding an alternative date for the fixture.

Brakes’ Pre-season Schedule

July

Sat 12 Stafford Rangers (a) 3pm

Wed 16 Birmingham C U-21s (h) 7.45pm

Fri 18 Cheltenham Town (h) 7.45pm

Tues 22 Stratford Town (a) 7.45pm

Sat 26 Walsall (h) 3pm

Tues 29 Coventry City XI (h) 7.30pm

August

Sat 2 Nuneaton Town (h) 3pm

Meanwhile, it appears that Leamington will be facing Lowestoft in the Conference North next season and not Chester City following Hereford United’s expulsion from the Conference Premier.

 Leamington FC Veterans are looking for players who have played at a good standard to strengthen their squad ahead of the forthcoming West Midlands over-35 League campaign.

The league consists of many former professional footballers from around the Midlands.

Leamington play their home games at the New Windmill, with matches taking place on Sundays at 10.30am.

Anyone interested should call manager Tony Clarke on 07720 969137 or Danny Walden on 07971 896006.