Holleran has two new midfielders lined up

Holleran had hoped to tie up the first of the deals last Tuesday to plug the gap left by the shock release of Marcus Jackson.

However, the Conference player is struggling to shake off an illness, which has delayed him putting pen to paper on a deal which will see him join Brakes until the end of the season.

“He’s a younger Marcus Jackson,” said Holleran, who was reluctant to name the player in the event of alerting other clubs to his availability. “He’s got plenty of pace and plenty of legs.”

The second of the players is expected to sign next week to cover for the absence of Richard Batchelor, who is due to undergo keyhole surgery on a longstanding back complaint.

“It will be difficult to replace Richard Batchelor. There are not many of his kind about.

“But the player we have in mind is a good passer of the ball, the right age and has made the step-up to this level.”

The release of Jackson was unexpected, with the gritty midfielder a first-choice at Brakes for much of the season.

His departure brought to an end a three-and-a-half year spell at the New Windmill and has led to feverish speculation among Brakes fans as to the reasons for his exit.

Holleran cited “one or two little issues” for the decision to release Jackson, who was substituted during Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Cambridge City.

“Marcus Jackson did a good job for us, but there have been one or two differences of a opinion,” said Holleran.

“There’s been plenty of energy and determination, but the performances of late haven’t been where they need to be.

“And, along with one or two little issues, we decided it was time for a change.”

A Jackson-less Brakes bounced back from their home defeat to Cambridge City to beat Cirencester 1-0 in a dour midweek encounter in front of just 275.

James Rowe lit up an otherwise forgettable clash with a fine 63rd-minute strike.

Despite the vital three points, Holleran is aware his side will need to improve if they are to sustain their play-off challenge.

“In the first half, we controlled the game but lacked control in the final third, while in the second half they controlled proceedings without really looking like hurting us.

“The one bit of quality has won us the game and it’s one of the few times we’ve come away from a game not sure we deserved it.

“But with a performance like that, you take the three points, take the clean sheet and move on.

“We know we need to be better than that and we will be.”

n Alex Rodman has become the first former Brakes player to turn professional since the 1970s.

Rodman, who scored five goals for Brakes in the 2005/06 season, has joined League Two side Aldershot on a two-and-a-half year deal.