Gee renews striking partnership

Rainworth Miners Welfare manager Kevin Gee secured the signing of a third striker in a week on Friday, writes Gordon Foster.

Long term target Connor Higginson from Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Grantham Town teamed up with Gee for the second time after the pair worked together at Glapwell and the then Mansfield striker arrived on loan from the Stags.

Higginson's arrival at Kirklington Road follows the signing of Justin Jenkins from Shepshed Dynamo and Nshindano Chisango from Handsworth. Chisango made his debut off the bench in last Saturday’s 4-2 at Evo-Stik NPL First Division South win at Mickleover Sports but Jenkins was not available because of a family wedding.

All three players are available for Saturday's trip to Sutton Coldfield Town and Gee said: "I’m delighted with all the three attacking options that I’ve brought to the club, as they all bring something different to the group.

“‘Jenks’ is big and strong with a lot of experience at this level and can lead the line well, especially with the pitches changing during the winter months. He’s been working exceptionally hard in the three training sessions since joining us to catch up, so it won’t be long before he pushes his way into the 16.

“Chisango is at the other end of the scale in that he’s very young but has great feet and is extremely strong. Although it was a difficult time for him to come on last Saturday when we were down to 10 men, he showed a good attitude.Again, he'll be a good acquisition to the group.

“As for Connor, I brought him to Glapwell as a raw 18-year-old from Mansfield Town when the then manager David Holdsworth allowed me to take any of the youth team players on loan for a year. In 18 months he was terrific at the club, scoring 25 goals as a 19-year-old in his second season.

"He’s since gone on to Sheffield where he figured in last year’s play-off final, and then plied his trade with Grantham this year in the Premier. With the recent changes there I’m delighted to say that he has decided to join us and he will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Sutton Coldfield.

"Connor’s a rare breed in young players today, in that he loves the game, and I’m sure the Rainworth supporters will take to him instantly as he’s a natural goalscorer who can only improve our current squad."