Hammers swoop for Russell after Jones move falls through (From Halesowen News)

Hammers swoop for Russell after Jones move falls through

4:27pm Thursday 16th August 2012 in Football

CRADLEY Town have swooped for former Redditch United striker Chris Russell.

Hammers boss Adrian Mander has spoken to the frontman, who scored more than 40 goals in Tividale’s West Midlands Premier title winning side two seasons ago and expects him to sign later today.

Former Halesowen Town man James Johnson is another new face at Beeches View Avenue though hopes of signing a current Yeltz player, Nathan Jones, appear to be over.

Jones signed for forms Cradley but has since made a U-turn and decided to remain at the Grove.

It is an indentical situation to one in February when Mander also claimed Jones had agreed to move only to stay put.

Mander said: “He has been a little bit naughty to be fair.

“He told us he was definitely going to come, even after he had spoken to (Yeltz manager) Shaun Cunnington.

“I just wish he had been more honest.

“In all fairness he is better than our level but I do feel a bit let down, particularly when it was he who contacted us.

“It’s the second time it’s happened now so we won’t bother with him again.”

Cradley have enjoyed an excellent few days on the pitch after following up last Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Shifnal Town with a thumping 5-0 league victory away at Darlaston.

Mander is now looking forward to the visit of Willenhall Town on Saturday, before another home game with AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday.

He added: “AFC Wulfrunians are probably the league’s most in-form side at the moment and it’s a great chance to test ourselves.

“I’m looking forward to it as I really feel we are going to challenge this season.

“We’ve had a couple of big wins where we’ve played well but just as pleasing was the two clean sheets we kept too.”