The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Adrian wrote: ↑Tue May 07, 2019 5:20 am Do Corby only sign players who can play with both feet?

Mad Dog wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2019 7:36 pm This may be a surprise but thinking with head rather than heart, but based upon what I've seen of Fairlamb against Nuneaton in Brackley's FA Cup tie earlier this season, and yesterday in their playoff game against Spennymoor, I wouldn't say he's any better than we've got and wouldn't bring in the player as he is at Brackley back.

I felt he was too predictable and there was a distinct lack of variance in his game, generally he put in the same cross time after time and was largely anonymous, even when Brackley had Spennymoor on the racks at times in extra time. My concern is we could end up with a similar situation to when Bowen hasn't been the same player since he had that amazing spell of form for us in the tail end of the 2015/16.

I think if we're serious about playing wingers, we should start developing our wing play around Johnson (who has scored goals) and Ben Acquaye, who hasn't been given a fair crack of the whip since signing, but has looked hungry in the few outings he's been afforded, not forgetting that Southern League Cup game when he played against us for Kempston. If we do feel like we need another winger, I agree with BR about Crawford, he's two footed, has excellent movement with and without the ball and is exciting.

I would also suggest looking at Jordon Francis, the other winger at Corby, who although is outshone by Crawford, is a very, very good player in his own right, and can play on both wings. He's another one which can use both feet.

In central midfield, I completely agree with BR about Joel Carta, he's another I've seen a few times when I've seen Corby this year when we've not been playing. He would be very powerful as a box to box midfielder in our midfield. He's another exciting talent, has got good vision, is two footed, has a good shot on him from outside the box, and is dangerous in the air. I would be surprised if him (or Crawford) are attainable, but they're both worth approaching on the off chance, since they would bring a few more through the gates, although I think Carta's on contract, so we would have to wait until that expires.

A wildcard I'm going to throw into the ring from my groundhopping when we've not been playing, who may be more one for the future (so might be better keeping an eye on) is Alex Marsh at Bigglewade FC. They've have just won the South Spartan to get promoted to Step 4. He's another one comfortable with the ball in midfield, young, ex-Diamonds (think pre-2011) and is also their captain. Interestingly his twin brother also plays for them (Alex is the twin which usually wears 7).