Flurry of transfers at Leek

Leek Town manager Lee Casswell moved last week to bolster his squad after goalkeeper Joe McCormack and midfielder Sean Turner were released in a flurry of transfer activity.

Casswell then signed young up-and-coming defender Matthew Bell from Mansfield Town on a short loan deal until the end of the season.

Bell joined the Field Mill outfit on a one-year deal in June 2011 after playing an integral part in Port Vale’s reserve team last season but he failed to make the first team.

Still in search of first team opportunities at Field Mill, Bell, 20, who can play left-back, left-midfield or central midfield, was allowed to join Blue Square North side Solihull Moors on a one month loan deal in September 2011 to gain match experience and also enjoyed a loan spell at Stafford Rangers.

Meanwhile, McCormack, who was signed from Rainworth towards the end of December, has now signed duel registrations for both Boston United and Rainworth after making just 10 appearances for Leek whilst Casswell waived a seven day notice so that Turner could join league rivals Newcastle Town with immediate effect.

This will be Turner's second spell at the Lyme Valley Club and he has also been on the books at Hednesford Town, Kidsgrove Athletic and Leek CSOB.

In all he made 22 appearances for the Blues this season, including thirteen starts with a further nine from the bench and scored three goals.

Inspirational skipper misses rest of season
Inspirational skipper Darren Tinson will miss the rest of the season after a scan revealed that the damaged knee cartilage that has kept him out of the last 8 games requires surgery.

The veteran defender picked up the injury in the 2-1 win at Lincoln on 18 February and was substituted with 20 minutes remaining.

Tinson is believed to have decided to hang up his boots at the end of this term and he will be very hard to replace.

The 42-year old defender joined Leek last summer after a spell as player-manager at Nantwich Town last season.

He began his career at Colwyn Bay and also played for Northwich Victoria before joining Macclesfield Town helping them win the Conference in 1996.

Tinson played over 250 games for The Silkmen before moving on to Shrewsbury Town, Burton Albion, Altrincham and finally The Dabbers.

Commenting on his skipper’s time at Harrison Park, Blues’ manager Lee Casswell said, “We will miss Darren, he was a great signing for us and a tremendous skipper.

“When I took over from Neil Baker I turned to Darren and he was brilliant with me – it has been an absolute pleasure working with him”, he added.

During his time at Harrison Park Tinson made 34 appearances in Leek colours and scored one goal.

More player news
Following the win at Quorn on Saturday, Blues’ boss Lee Caswell will welcome the return of Matt Haddrell to the squad for the crunch game at home to Stamford on Tuesday after the big striker sat out a one-match ban.

Midfielder Anthony Danylyk will be free of suspension following Tuesday’s home game against Stamford. The dynamic midfielder will have served a four-match ban after being sent off in the home game against Belper on 3 March.

Defender Ricky Bridge, who picked up a chest injury in the home game against Hucknall on 10 March, is expected to be out for a couple of weeks suffering from bruised ribs.

Goalkeeper Danny Roberts, who has been out of action since smashing his eye socket in the away fixture at Sheffield on 19 November, is recovering well from surgery and will be allowed to get matches under his belt at Norton United at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Tim Grice had to be rushed back to his Potteries home immediately after the win at Quorn on Saturday due to a family bereavement.

The striker received a call just a few minutes after leaving the pitch at Farley Way to inform him of the passing of his grandfather.

Everybody at Leek Town Football Club would like to extend their condolences to Tim and his family at this very sad time.

Blues stage Comedy & Curry Night

Leek Town has announced details of their innovative Comedy & Curry Night to be held in the Blues Bar on Saturday 31 March after the home game against Loughborough Dynamo.

Top International comedian Frankie Allen will be appearing and the curry will be provided Moorland Balti. There will also be a disco after the main event.

Tickets are on sale now priced just £20 and are available from Matt Beeby on 07712 584356, Gavin Bateman on 07972 350170 or any members of the management team.