Albans finally returns at the Wrens

Rainworth Miners Welfare have added the experienced Jimmy Albans to their management team after the promotion-winning former Grantham Town joint-manager took time out of the game, writes Gordon Foster.

And Albans, pictured, who was at the helm at the Premier Division's Gingerbreads alongside Wayne Hallcro for three years before their reign ended in April 2012, has already made his presence felt by helping to bring former Grantham player Sam Purcicoe to the Kirklington Road.

Purcicoe endeared himself to Rainworth's fans towards the end of last season when he was on loan. He's now joined on a permanent basis from First Division South rivals Belper Town, who kindly waived the statutory seven day notice to allow him to move in time to make his debut at Goole last weekend.

With Rickards still comparatively new to management and continuing to play when required, the Wrens boss is delighted by the addition of the experienced Albans to his coaching team.

He said: "Jimmy has wide managerial experience at this level, indeed I have played under him so I know what he is about. Even though he has been out of the game for a little while he knows lots of players in the local area — and we have already benefitted from that with Sam's arrival.

"Jimmy is with us, I hope, for the rest of this season and, along with Matt Clarke, will be a great help when it comes to both the coaching side and team strengthening within our budget, helping to bring in the players we want in the areas we know we need to strengthen."