RUSSELL McKenna, a 21-year-old left-side mid-fielder, has been signed by Peter Smith.

The Kendal manager freely admits, however, that at the present time the signing adds to an embarrassment of riches caused by a remarkably injury free run for the team.

Only midfielder Kyle Hayton remains on the long-term injured list and Smith said Lee Blamire's back injury in Saturday's game has proved to be not too serious.

Since the return of midfielder Stuart Cliff and winger James Sheppard, competition for places has become keen, but Smith said he decided sign McKenna, who played for Conference side Morecambe last season, as cover.

"When Shep' was out we lacked something on the left side of the field," he said.

Smith is also hoping to sign ex-Southport centre-half John Moss as midfield cover.

Up front Smith has the luxury of four strikers to call upon in Jamie Close, Gareth Jones, David Foster and Ian Simpson while Craig Walmsley is due to return from his cricketing trip to Australia next week.

"I spoke to all four of them at the weekend and urged them not to let their heads get down if they were not selected as they can all come in and do a good job for us.

"On Saturday I brought in Steve Hodgson as his brother Phil was on holiday and he showed us he could play well.

"The first half against Rossendale was hard work on the icy pitch, but as the second half wore on we came to life and got the goals we deserved.

"The lads have a big belief in themselves now and go into every match to show how well they can do.

"The spirit is tremendous and we have just finished a hard series of games where we have taken points off the top sides. We took four from Matlock, three from Belper, drew with Spennymoor and beat Radcliffe away.

"We even pushed runaway league leaders Atherton close.

"Now we are up to seventh in the table and if we can get three points away to Kidsgrove at the weekend, and other results go in our favour, we could be up to fifth.

"We are also a young side and next year when some of the lads have got a full year playing in the UniBond League under their belts we should do really well."

January 10, 2003 10:31