Lee has even Moore goals in him, says Holleran

Lewis Powell’s decision to join Frome followed hot on the heels of goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan’s switch to Kidderminster and left Holleran with a potential headache ahead of tomorrow’s season-opener at Bedford Town.

But after bringing in Kevin Sawyer as number one last week, Holleran has quickly plugged the gap created by Powell’s defection with the addition of former Nuneaton Town striker Lee Moore.

Despite only being 26, Moore has a wealth of experience at Southern League level and above and offers the creativity which Brakes lacked at times last season.

A second-half substitute in the friendly draw with Worcester City last Saturday, Moore completed his signing on Tuesday night and Holleran says his hunger and ability mark him out as a player the fans will enjoy watching.

“I spoke to Kevin Wilkin when I realised there was a possibility of them not renewing his contract and I know Kidderminster Harriers were quite keen,” said Holleran, who also tried to sign Moore while in charge at Halesowen.

“I think the move ticks boxes both for us and for Lee.

“After how it ended at Nuneaton, I firmly believe he’ll want to write another chapter.

“He’s got great ability and I just want him to be a bit more selfish and get his goals column up.

“With his ability he should be scoring more goals.

“He’s been down to training a few times and he’s technically fantastic, he sees things that other players can’t see.

“The fans will enjoy watching him as he’s very easy on the eye and we are very fortunate to have got him.”

Moore is unavailable for tomorrow’s trip to Bedford as he is attending his best friend’s wedding and, with Dean Perrow also struggling with an injury, it could present an early chance for Tom Berwick to stake a claim for one of the two forward berths.

Berwick left the New Windmill last winter after failing to find a way past first-choice pairing Jacob Blyth and David Kolodynski.

But after returning to the club in pre-season, Berwick has shown signs of the form which made him such a prolific goalscorer at Daventry Town and secured him a move to Nuneaton.

“I’ve been pleased with Tom,” said Holleran. “We brought him here last year because we saw something in him and nothing has changed.

“He’s got to believe he can score goals in this league, but he’s impressed us in pre-season and I hope he can carry it on.

“He’s as good as most people about and, much like Dean Perrow, he got a knack of scoring goals.”

With Tuesday’s evening’s home clash with Stourbridge following on from tomorrow’s trip, the New Windmill faithful should receive an early indicator as to where Brakes stand in the promotion shake-up.

But while Holleran is quietly optimistic about his side’s chances, he refuses to set a 
definitive target of a top-five finish.

“We want to be competitive. A few clubs have flexed their financial muscles and I think it will be similar to last year in that there won’t be much between the teams.

“We’ve got the platform and as a unit we’re as strong as we’ve ever been.

“The balance of the squad is good and we just need to maintain the home form while improving our away form.

“With the players we’ve brought in we should have goals from more areas and we’ve also got players who can create - it’s a nice balance.

“We’ve been close for the last two seasons and if we can keep certain players on the pitch there’s no reason why we can’t get even closer.”

 Summer signing Jimmy Deabill has left the club, with Paul Holleran citing personal reasons for the burly striker’s departure.

“Unfortunately, for personal reasons, Jimmy hasn’t been able to commit fully to the club, but the door is not shut on him.”

 Brakes have been handed a trip to Alvechurch in the first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup, with the tie scheduled to be played on or before Saturday October 24.