Rams wooed fans favourite

Ramsbottom United favourite Grant Spencer returned to the Harry Williams Satdium after taking up an open ended invitation to come home from joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.

Spencer helped the Rams win promotion to the Evo-Stik NPL First Division North, winning the North West Counties League's April Player of the Month in the process. He switched to Conference Premier Hyde in the summer but returns on loan that could run until the end of the season followiung agreement between the clubs.

His brother Scott, the England C international and prolific goal-scorer, is at Ewen Fields but despite a number of appearances from the bench, Spencer failed to force himself into the Tigers starting line-up. He is already back in the side after taking up his managers' offer.

Co-manager Johnson said: "We always said that Grant would be welcomed back with open arms should things not happen for him at Hyde so to be able to have him back on an open-ended loan deal is fantastic for us."

Johnson and Rams supporters saw the favourite make an immediate impact on Saturday when he set up their equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Farsley with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

Spencer could make his full return on Saturday when the Rams host Evo-Stik NPL First Division South Northwich Victoria in the FA Trophy's First Qualifying Round.

Northwich Victoria take on Loughborough Dynamo tonight [Wednesday] at Stafford's Marston Road in the league. The Vics have been boosted by the return of midfield dynamo Michael Connor on Monday. Connor spent three years at Northwich from 2009 before switching to Droylsden.

Forward Odilon Koubemba is also available to start after the club received international clearance from the French FA. The cousin of former Premier League star Christopher Samba signed from Toulon.