Casswell adds defender as Corden retires

Leek Town boss Lee Casswell continued his recent signing spree with the loan signing of George Ray from Crewe Alexandra.

Casswell has now added no fewer than six players to his squad since the week before Christmas responding to a lengthening injury list that included Richard Minor, Dan Cope, Danny Roberts, Ricky Bridge and Nick Ward.

The 18-year old central defender signed on a one-month loan deal from the League Two side in time to make his debut in the starting line-up against Lincoln United last Tuesday night.

Ray is in the first year of a three-year contract at Gresty Road and no doubt Alex assistant boss Neil Baker, watching from the stands, would have been impressed with the young defender’s performance in a Blues’ back line that kept a clean sheet.

……But Corden hangs up his boots
Leek Town’s veteran midfielder Wayne Corden has decided to call it a day after spending three years at his home-town club.

Corden played 109 games and scored 7 times in a blue shirt but only made one full appearance this season in the home game against Market Drayton Town back in late November.

The veteran winger went on to keep match fit at Eccleshall but the former Port Vale star has now decided to bring his playing days to a close.

Corden began his career at Port Vale before moving on to Mansfield Town, Scunthorpe United, Chester City, Leyton Orient and Notts County.

In total he made over 400 appearances for Football League clubs before dropping into non-league with Colwyn Bay from where Leek signed him in September 2008.

Better news on injury front
Whilst long-term injury victims Dan Cope, Danny Roberts and Richard Minor continue their recovery from surgery, there is also good news on the physio’s short-term list with Nick Ward declaring himself fit although Ricky Bridge will have treatment at Crewe on a soft tissue injury this week.

Fortunately, evergreen skipper Darren Tinson recovered from the knock on the knee he picked up at Loughborough in time to lead the side out at home to Lincoln last Tuesday.

Staffs Senior Cup Quarter Final
The outstanding Staffordshire Senior Cup Quarter Final between Kidsgrove Athletic and Leek Town has been arranged for Tuesday 31 January.

The game will be played at Kidsgrove's Seddon Stadium with a 7.45pm kick-off and the winners will be at home to either Hednesford Town or Stoke City

Friendly fixture
Blues’ boss Lee Casswell has arranged a friendly fixture at Eccleshall on Tuesday to give a number of his squad much needed match practice.

Striker Dan Cope and midfielder Jordan White both missed out on games on Saturday when Leek CSOB and Stone Dominos respectively had matches frozen off.

However, both will feature at Eccleshall on Tuesday 8.45pm, when manager Lee Casswell will give games to, Christian Millar, Nick Ward, Nathan Bullock, Oliver Edwards, Ben Nixon and Tim Grice.

Scragg’s scouting mission foiled
With Blues’ game at home to Hucknall called off on Saturday, assistant manager Kenny Scragg made the long journey into Lincolnshire to run the rule over Stamford who play at Leek early next month.

However, Scragg had a wasted journey when the game was called off due to a frozen pitch shortly after he arrived.

Leek keeper Joe McCormack was also lined up to watch Grantham at Rainworth but that game was called off whilst his next port of call was at Ilkeston but their game also fell foul of the weather.

The only game played in the First Division South was at Romulus who play on the 3G pitch which means that Casswell should be able to take in their game on Monday.

Blues seeking auditor for junior sides
Leek Town Football Club’s Junior Section is looking for someone to oversee their accounts and to audit them on an annual basis.

Blues are looking for anyone with accountancy experience who has a little spare time on their hands.

If anyone is interested or wants to know more, please contact Tracy Reynolds on 07540 161017 or tracyreynolds64@yahoo.co.uk.

January Jackpot
To celebrate the first anniversary of the Leek Town Monthly Draw, the club is holding a very special Jackpot January Draw.

The draw will take place on the 28th January but this month features an even bigger prize fund than normal.

The lucky winner will walk away with a whopping £500 and there's £250 on offer for the runner-up with two prizes of £150 for third place and four prizes of £50 for fourth.

If you’re already in the draw, why not increase your chances by having another go or encourage your friends and family to sign up by downloading and returning the application form.

Application forms will also be available at Saturday's game from the club shop where you can also pay to enter.

It is particularly important that, if you paid a years subscription on joining the draw when it was first set-up, you ensure a further payment is made prior to this draw to ensure your number is entered, as the twelve draws that you paid for have now taken place.

Good luck to everyone in the draw - it could be you who is £500 better off!

They’re off
Leek Town FC is holding a Race Night which will be staged after the home game against Belper Town on Saturday 25th February at 7pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free, so please support the event. All money raised goes towards the running of the club and you might get lucky and win a few quid as well!