Keogh: Royals can bounce back

Sutton Coldfield Town's Chris Keogh wants his three eve of the season signings to help them bounce back tonight from their opening day defeat with Northwich Victoria arriving at Coles Lane.

The Royals kicked off their Evo-Stik NPL First Division South campaign at the weekend with a 1-0 reverse at Rainworth Miners Welfare while Northwich lost 3-4 at home to Stamford.

Manager Keogh signed his trio - Joey Butlin, Daryl Taylor and Kristian Ramsey-Dickson – only last week and is delighted with the arrival of all three.

Keogh said: "All three have played full-time football with Joey and Kristian leaving Walsall and Burton Albion respectively in the close season. We had Joey on loan last year but he has come back fitter and stronger and we hope he can now push on and fulfil his massive potential.

"We tried to sign Kristian following his release from Burton but Bedworth United beat us to it. For whatever reason it has not worked out over there for him so he is now our player and we are delighted he has agreed to come and play with us."

Keogh described Taylor as another quality player who'll add an experienced head to his squad. "Daryl is a class act and although he is only 27 he brings a lot of experience to our squad," he said. "He played full-time with Walsall, Hereford United, AFC Bournemouth and Bury but has also played Non-League football with FC Halifax Town and Tamworth.

"He's played the last few games for us after taking a year out of football but he has the hunger back and will be a huge player for us this season."

Looking past tonight’s chance for the Ryals to get the first points on the board, Keogh added: "We are delighted with the squad and we also have five players that didn’t make Saturday’s squad pushing for places so all in all we are very happy with how things are shaping up."