Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Striker Signs
Gresley Rovers have completed the signing of striker Stewart Copnell from Retford United.
Copnell signed for Retford in preseason from Sheffield FC but failed to settle with last season champions and moves to the Moat Ground to boost Manager Gary Norton's forward options. The 32-year-old Barnsley based forward has been a prolific marksman in his time in non-league football with successful previous spells at Worksop Town, Ilkeston Town, Stocksbridge Park Steels and Buxton.
He scored last season against Inter Milan in a friendly game arranged as part of Sheffield FC's 150 year celebration game.
Manager Gary Norton commenting on the clubs new capture said: "We have been speaking with Stewart and Retford all week in a bid to make this move happen and I must thank Pete Duffield at Retford for making it happen when things could have dragged on past the weekend.
"Stewart is a proven striker of the pedigree we have patiently been searching for. He's a proven goal scorer at this level of football with a big work ethic and hunger to match. We hope he will settle in quickly and prove to be a key signing for the club."
Norton added: "He trained with the squad tonight (Thursday) and at the same time we agreed terms on a deal with him for the rest of the season.
"There were a few other clubs also trying to sign him this week so we are especially delighted to have a player of his calibre and experience join us.
"One issue is that he possibly has a suspension due from a situation he had in pre-season whilst with Retford but we will deal with that if and when it happens."
Subject to the paperwork going through, Copnell will be included in Rovers squad for the game at Brigg Town this weekend.
