CARL ADAMS is beginning the countdown to welcoming injury-hit duo Richard Gregory and Guy Clark back into Stratford Town’s line-up by letting them go out on loan.
Goal-getter Gregory, who returned to Town in the summer from Rugby Town, was hurt in the first game of the season and defender Clark has yet to kick a ball this term.
However, the duo, having recovered from their injuries, have been allowed to go out on loan for a month to build up their match fitness.
Gregory, Town’s top scorer two seasons ago, scored against Hitchin Town on the opening day of the season but then damaged his ankle 35 minutes into the game and has joined Northern League Division One South side Tividale.
Centre back Clark, a linchpin in last season’s promotion success, had an operation on his toes in the close season and has linked up with Midland Football League Premier Division outfit Coleshill Town, Adams’ former club.
“They are both over their injuries now but they need games,” said Adams. “There’s no point them sitting on the bench. They need to play and going out on loan will give them matches.
“They are two massive players for us. Gregory is a 25-30 goal a season striker and Clark has come on leaps and bounds, but they have had two to three months out and they need to get match-sharp.”
Stratford return to action after having a fixture-free ten days with back-to-back home games, starting with Histon on Saturday followed by Biggleswade Town on Tuesday.
Adams says Town, who lie tenth, need to make the DCS Stadium a fortress as they continue to adjust to their first season in the Southern Premier.
“I always thought our home form would be imperative to how well we do,” said the manager. “We are unbeaten at home so far and we need to keep the results coming at home.
“We’re mixing it with the teams at this level and we’ve hold our own so far. When you look at the teams below us I think we are overachieving. We want to keep proving we can compete in the Premier Division.”
With striker Kevin Charley still injured, Town are expected to have the same squad which defeated Cirencester Town last Tuesday when they tackle Cambridge side Histon.
Meanwhile, former Stratford midfielder Joe Halsall, who left Town last week, has signed for Northern League Division One South side Chasetown.
