'Keeper Ross a welcome recruit (From This is Hampshire)

'Keeper Ross a welcome recruit

1:00pm Thursday 30th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

BASINGSTOKE Town manager Frank Gray is pleased to have secured the services of goalkeeper Ross Kitteridge for this season.

The former Reading shot stopper, who is 19, was due to sign a one-year deal at the Camrose after Tuesday night’s 4-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Godalming Town.

Kitteridge spent last season on loan at Basingstoke, making 51 starts, and looked like a good prospect.

He was released by Reading in May and had been hoping to secure full-time football elsewhere, having trials at Kettering and Grays Athletic. However, he was unable to secure a permanent contract, and Gray is only too pleased to welcome him back to the Camrose.

“Ross did well for us last year and will be a big player for us,” the manager said. “It was important to get him signed and I am pleased we have been able to do it.”

Kitteridge played the full 90 minutes as Town suffered defeat at the hands of Ryman League division one outfit Godalming. He was at fault for the home side’s third goal, allowing a cross from the right to loop over his head and in.

While Gray has tied up a goalkeeper for the coming season, the departure of Chris Waller, who has signed for Tadley Calleva, leaves him short of back-up.

“We do need cover for Ross but, with our budget, you have to question whether we can afford to spend money on a player who might not play,” Gray added. “It would be good to bring someone in on a pay-as-you-play basis but there are not many people around who are willing to do that.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)