Transfers in and out sees side refresh its squad

A “SEVERELY stretched” Hinckley AFC have seen two more players leave the club, but one take up a position on the team’s defence.

Defenders Isaac Cooper and Mike Harvey will be moving on to pastures new while Jack Farmer will bolster the squad’s back line.

Left-sided player Cooper will join Northern Premier League side Rushall Olympic after 60 appearances for the club – the fifth most by any player.

During his tenure at St John’s Park he has scored 11 goals, including one on his final appearance against Lutterworth Town.

A spokesman for the club wished him luck and said: “He made an accomplished transformation from full back to winger towards the end of last season, and leaves AFC with our best wishes.”

Defender Harvey is leaving to travel Australia after joining from Southam United at the start of February this year, playing at right back and centre half.

He has made 23 appearances for the club, his solitary goal coming in the final league game of last season at Littleton.

The club spokesman said he has “regularly caused threats to opposition defences with his potent long throws”.

With their departure manager Carl Abbott has moved quickly to add Farmer to the squad.

A versatile former Chasetown defender, Farmer is said to play at right back or centre half and was highly regarded while at The Scholars having come through their youth system.

“Then-manager Charlie Blakemore put him on contract at 17, predicting a future in the Football League, but despite a trial at Crewe Alexandra the move never materialised,” the spokesman said.

Since then, he has had a spell with Coalville Town.

Vice-captain Ryan Paddock has also become a father for the first time and with his army bosses reposting him to Bath he will be taking “a step back from the club” but will remain registered with the club.