Chasetown boss' Bully challenge

Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore has challenged Lee Bullimore to prove his worth and break the 'dream partnership' of Kyle Perry and Dean Perrow as he prepares to return to the club, writes Tim Nash.

The Scholars have served a seven day approach for their former striker, who is currently with Midland Alliance side Tipton.

Bullimore became part of Chasetown folklore two years ago as the top scorer in their Cup run to the first round proper.

But he quit in the summer, saying he wanted to retire, but soon had a change of heart and joined Tipton.

Now he's preparing to go back - with a warning from his old boss.

"Bully might be coming back," said Blakemore. "He's been in touch with our captain Lee Parsons and expressed his wish to come back.

"I haven't spoken to him yet but I intend to in more detail next week.

"The first question to him will be 'how much do you really want it?'

"He's got to prove how hungry and fit he is because at this level, he needs to be hungrier and fitter than he was last year.

"Kyle and Dean are only 22, and they're a dream partnership because of their attitude, desire and the fact they're causing chaos.

"We let Paul McMahon join Newcastle Town, but Lee is going to have to sit below Kyle, Dean, Danny Smith and Karl Edwards in the pecking order.

"He'll find he's not guaranteed a shirt, but I think he might realise at his age it's his last opportunity and he needs to take it."

But Blakemore admits Bullimore will still get his a chance.

"He can give us something completely different," said the boss.

"He had four years with me and we had a lot of success."

A few weeks ago, there was talk Edwards was going to join Bullimore at Tipton but Blakemore quickly ruled out the prospect.

And he admits it's not going to happen even when Bullimore returns to Church Street.

"I've been impressed Kyle, Dean, Danny and Karl - they have been fantastic. But if we're going to do anything, we need strikers."

Chasetown followed up their FA Cup success with gallant defeat at League One Port Vale in the Staffs Senior Cup in midweek, with the full-timers bolstered by seven professionals.