Hednesford boss will let players go

Hednesford manager Rob Smith today warned that players will be leaving Keys Park to clear the decks for more firepower to aid their play-off challenge.

The Pitmen boss is keen to add ahead of tomorrow's visit of Bradford Park Avenue, with his side third in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Smith does not want to get caught short when the heat is on during a tough January schedule, but admits players will also be shown the door.

He said: "We run a tight ship, we wouldn't have it any other way and there will have to be casualties along the way.

"It's fair to say we will be shuffling the pack because bringing players in, unfortunately, means players having to leave."

Over the course of this month, Smith's men will face Marine, FC United of Manchester and Northwich for the first time this season.

League leaders Chester are also to come during that period and the manager believes it will be a real test of the Pitmen's mettle.

He said: "We have got a horrendous month coming up, Bradford Park Avenue and then four tough away trips on the trot against some top sides.

"We are under no illusions that, if we can come out of January anywhere near where we are now, we will have done well.

"We haven't played Marine, FC United of Manchester or Northwich yet, so we are probably in a bit of a false position.

"But it's credit to the lads that we are in touching distance of them, our team spirit has got us where we are."