A couple of days ago Elliott Durrell signed a new one year contract to join Ross Dyer, Ross Draper. Tyrone Barnett is also due to put pen to paper.

Also added to these will Richard Walker from Macclesfield, Dan Harvey, Sean Platt and Sam Hall who will be signing non-contract forms.

Dean Edwards

        Picture by Colin Rogers

The Benin international who made his debut last Saturday against Eastwood Town and only lasted 39 minutes before being sent off was informed after the game that the Pitmen would not be taking up the option of keeping him for the rest of the season.

Raimy red carded after only 39 minues

The player who has the nickname of ‘the Butcher' was given the chop as the club could not be certain that he would ever see half time the way he threw himself into challenges.

RodH

After suddenly leaving Keys Park on the last Saturday before Christmas the Pitmen's 24 year old Portuguese sweeper Decio Gomes has returned back to England and will go straight into the squad for Tuesday evening's game against Ilkeston Town at Keys Park, kick off 7.45pm.

Since his departure the Pitmen have lost seven of the eleven games that they have played and the loss of their talisman has been a major contribution to the poor run of results. Manager Dean Edwards finally got back in contact with Decio last week and he was hoping to get him back in time for the Eastwood game but it was not practicable as Decio's mother was in hospital.

Dean made arrangements to pick Decio up from East Midlands airport on Monday evening and will now have the problem of finding the player a room for the remainder of the season. If anyone can offer any help or assistance with a room for around ten weeks can they please give the club a call on 01543 422870.

RodH

The Pitmen have placed 21 year old centre back and former club captain Tom Marshall on the transfer list. Manager Dean Edwards said that " Tom needs to start listening and learning rather than thinking that he knows it all ". He continued by adding that " Tom also has to deal with the standard of discipline which is required of a player who has aspirations of playing at a higher level".

The problems with the player are not new and have been experienced by all of his previous Managers and it is because Dean rates the player highly that he has placed Tom on the transfer list as he feels that it will be in the players best interests. At this stage of his career he needs to be kicking on so it is now a challenge for him to have a good end of season.

Rod H

The Pitmen are pleased to announce that after finally obtaining International Clearance from the Romanian Football Association they have signed Benin International Florent Raimy from FCM Bakau who play in the Romanian Second Division. Florent also holds a French passport and has played for the French Youth team and their under 20 team. Prior to FCM Bakue Florent played in the USA for Cincinnati Kings in the USL Second Division and FC Oberneuland who are based in Bremen in Germany.

and also

It was a busy evening as 26 year old defender Alex Cowley has been signed from Halesowen Town.Alex began career on the books of WBA and after being released by the Baggies he signed for Stourport Swifts in 1999. In 2002 Alex moved to Halesowen Town for a short spell then moved to Redditch United until 2004 when he returned to Halesowen until February 2009.

RodH