Striker set for early return

Leek Town manager Lee Casswell is considering recalling striker Dan Cope from loan for Tuesday night's trip to Hucknall Town, writes Michael Cope.

Cope has been getting match fit at neighbouring Leek CSOB but is likely to be back playing in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League ahead of schedule for Casswell, pictured, with new signing Andy Kinsey failing a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Loughborough Dynamo and transfer listed Matt Haddrell still looking to leave Harrison Park.

On Monday the Blues said Haddrell was attracting interest from Evo-Stik NPL First Division Garforth but they are not expected to follow it up. The Blues say their former defender Gary Sucharewycz, now joint manager Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Grantham Town, has also expressed an interest but the big striker would prefer a club nearer his Potteries home.

Leek also revealed that Casswell pulled off something of a coaching coup last week when he took on two experienced coaches for the first team squad.

Outfield coach Martin Prentice and goalkeeping coach Jason McGuire both have experience in the Football Conference with Tamworth and Eastwood Town respectively. Prentice has also coached at Stone Dominoes and Hucknall Town and both took up their duties last Thursday.

Off the pitch, Leek have launched a recruitment drive to take on more stewards following the recent redevelopment of Harrison Park and the installation of the new pitch perimeter fence. For more information contact the club's safety officer Andy Reeves on 07776 140543.