Swifts beaten to midfielder
9:00am Thursday 3rd July 2008
STOURPORT Swifts manager Neil Hunt has told Mark Benbow that he would be welcome at the club after the midfielder opted to join BGB Southern League Premier side Stourbridge instead.
The Bromsgrove Rovers midfielder had been invited to train with Swifts and after positive talks with Hunt he looked set to come to Walshes Meadow, before the pull of playing at a higher level for the Glassboys won him over.
Despite the set back, Hunt has not given up on the vastly experienced midfielder and has left the door open for him to come to Swifts if it doesn’t work out at the Black Country club.
Even without Benbow, Swifts’ manager is set to have a large group of players to select from when it comes to choosing his squad for the 2008-2009 season in the Midlands Division One.
Currently he has nearly 30 players attending training but will round it down to roughly 20, after casting his eye over players during pre-season friendlies.
He is also confident that experienced midfield hardman John Snape will sign.
The former Worcester City, Halesowen, Hereford and Bromsgrove tackler expressed an interest to join Swifts and after further talks he is still keen.
“I spoke to Mark on Saturday and he told me he wanted to play in the Premier Division,” commented the manager.
“He’s a nice lad and I think he was being genuine, so good luck to him. I told him if it doesn’t work out then our door is always open.
“I am also talking to John Snape who I am 99 per cent sure is signing for us.
“We had a lot players at training and I will whittle it down after watching them in action in the friendlies, they will give me a good idea of how we are doing.”
Swifts have been drawn against the winners of Cadbury Athletic or Racing Club Warwick in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday, August 30. If successful they will meet Shepshed Dynamo, Mickleover or Wellington in the first qualifying round on Saturday, September 13.
Hunt said: “It’s a chance to make some money and generate some interest in us “It’s amazing what a run can do for the club and Chasetown are a great example.
“Four years ago they had one man and a dog watching them but after playing Port Vale and Cardiff in the last few years they have made a lot of money and get big crowds.”
In the FA Trophy, Swifts go to Yate Town in the first qualifying round on Saturday, October 18.