Alexander has admitted that he is a little lightweight up-front, following injuries to Tony Battersby and Dene Cropper – “We do have a problem up-front,” revealed the City manager.
Front man Tony Battersby has taken a knock on his knee, and is “touch and go”. Thursday may come too soon for the in-form player, however Dene Cropper is rated doubtful with a pulled muscle of the back.
Alexander gave some reassurance, “Dene Cropper’s injury leaves us a bit lightweight up front. But I have a trialist making the trip who looks very useful.”
“He has played football in non-league and in the league and he is a big, strong centre-forward who can hold the ball up. He will be given a chance to show me what he can do.”
The new arrival joins up with the Imps on a ‘trial basis’ with a view to a more permanent move – naturally on a one-year contract.
Planet Imp can reveal the identity of the new-man - Stalybridge Celtic's, Adie Mike. The Imps management team of Alexander and Simpson, previously in charge of Mike's former club Northwich Victoria, are well aware of Mike’s talents. The player (still only 28) enjoyed a successful season last year with the 'Vics', collecting the Player of the Year accolade for his “goal every round” exploits in the FA Cup.
The Imps management team know full well, that the former Manchester City man, who has enjoyed spells at a whole host of league and non-league clubs (including Stockport County, Leek Town and Hednesford) , can cut it at Division Three level. Mike has also notched up a great deal of football league experience through loan stints at Bury,
Good in the air and skilful on the floor, Mike is Alexander’s sort of player and so it is no surprise that the boss enquired about the player when he took charge of the Imps during the summer. However, Alexander was somewhat importunate in his enquiries and finally his persistence has paid off.
Mike has joined up with the squad this morning and has immediately found one face he is familiar with, in former Northwich