News

The Liverpool based midfielder informed manager Gary Norton of his decision after talks with Runcorn on Tuesday night. Norton commented: "Karl's decision is quite understandable. He lives in Liverpool and Runcorn are a Conference North side. Those reasons plus the package on offer made it to good an opportunity to turn down although I know from speaking to Karl that he agonised over the decision as he was very much enjoying his time at Gresley. Everyone at the club wishes him well"

Sean Gummer will get the immediate opportunity to replace Brown on the left hand side of Rover's midfield. Norton said "We recently lent Sean to Mickleover to get a few games under his belt but he's been recalled and will get his chance down the left.

Norton has reacted swiftly to replace Brown by securing the services of former Moat Ground favourite Chris Gray from Hednesford Town. Gray left Rovers early last season and after a brief spell at Sutton Coldfield Town moved to FA Trophy holders Hednesford Town. Unfortunately for Gray he was cup tied for the Pitmen's Trophy winning run last year. Gray will be unavailable for Rovers FA Trophy tie against Frickley this weekend as he is to serve a 1 match ban for 5 yellow cards picked up this term but will be available for Rovers midweek Unibond cup 2nd round tie against Lincoln United on Tuesday.

Norton commented: "Chris returning is a timely boost to us. We have always kept in touch and he's always been a player whom I've held the highest regard for. On his day Chris is a handful for any team to cope with and we are delighted to have gained his services. He can operate anywhere across the midfield and upfront and I'm hopeful that he can wade in with goals for us as he did when he was here previously. Chris was reluctant to leave us last season but he's been at Hednesford and gained valuable experience both on and off the pitch and comes back with a very different outlook on the game. I'm very impressed with his view on things and we have chatted at length about what I want from him at the club. He's knows that he's got to fight for his place in the side and is more than willing to do that. He's very much looking forward to the challenge.

"Chris arriving has added another colourful character to the dressing room. In some ways its disappointing that Karl Brown has just left us because its would have been quite funny to have Gary White, Karl Brown and Chris Gray all playing in the side at the same time! We used to have an Alex Green play for us in our midfield and I've got the Chairman checking the archives to see if we've ever had someone with the surname of a colour playing for us!"