Morley is left playing a waiting game after Mansfield trial

BRAKES left-back Stephan Morley is one step nearer to realising his dream of becoming a full-time professional after spending the early part of the week on trial at Blue Square Premier side Mansfield Town.

Morley is one of a number of players who have been invited down to Field Mill in the last couple of weeks and, with loan signing Kieran Freeman having left Stags to return to parent club Nottingham Forest, manager Paul Cox is known to be in the market for a permanent left-back.

The 24-year-old has been an impressive performer at the New Windmill since joining from Hinckley in October 2010 and has already clocked up 65 appearances for the club

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He has also weighed in with some crucial goals, including the second-half strike which earned Brakes a point at home to Oxford City last weekend.

“I’ve been down to training and we’re seeing how it goes,” said Morley.

“I’ve settled in well and know a couple of lads from being at Kettering.

They’re after a left-back and hopefully something will come of it.”

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Morley is well known to Mansfield Town assistant boss Micky Moore, who was formerly in charge of Solihull Moors, but the former Rugby Town defender said he has also benefited from the hype surrounding Brakes striker Jacob Blyth.

“I’ve been lucky,” said Morley, who currently works for his dad. “Clubs have been coming to watch Jacob and I’ve been doing well and teams have noticed.

“I’ve had interest in the last few seasons, but it hasn’t been worth it with combining work and football.

“But obviously Mansfield are a bigger club and if they offered me something I’d probably take it.”

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Meanwhile, Paul Holleran has praised the impact of loan signing Jon Adams, who made his first start last Saturday after rejoining on a short-term deal from Conference Premier side AFC Telford.

Adams was unable to inspire his new side to all three points, but the Brakes boss believes it was no coincidence that his presence coincided with Richard Batchelor and Lee Downes putting in their best performances in recent months.

“The application and desire he has got for a loan player is excellent and that’s because he’s got an affinity with the club,” said Holleran.

“He made us pass the ball better and he was always available.

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“That in turn gets other players playing and gives them more confidence.

“That’s the quality he brings and I’m sure there’s more to come from Jon as he’s not played for a couple of weeks.”

Brakes continue their play-off push tomorrow with a home clash against Chippenham Town.

n Sam Adkins was today expected to complete a loan move to Southern League Premier Division rivals Redditch.

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The young midfielder has struggled for a starting berth since joining from Solihull Moors, but Holleran still sees him as part of his long-term plans.

“The only thing Sam is missing is regular football,” he said.

“We see him as a good young player and see him as having a future at the club.

“He’s been consistent for us, but a run of games at Redditch will benefit him and we’ll review it at the end of the 28 days.”

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