Herbert adds full-back and goalkeeper to boost his defensive options
RUNCORN TOWN boss Chris Herbert has moved to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new season with the capture of full-back Michael Carberry and goalkeeper Reece Airey.
Nineteen-year old Carberry was one of the leading appearance-makers for Bootle last season, with the Bucks finishing just ahead of Town on goal difference in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.
Carberry also scored twice in wins against against Padiham and Nelson.
He left the Bucks at the end of the season, playing with Warrington Town in the early part of pre-season, before making the switch to Pavilions.
Airey is also 19-years-old and came through the ranks at Wrexham before joining Rhyl.
He actually arrives at Pavilions via Finnish Third Division side Hedens IF, who he has been playing for the last few months. He will be available once International Clearance has been received from the Football Association.
Commenting on the signings, Town manager Herbert, said: “Michael is a player we have had our eye on for a while.
“When we played Bootle late in the season, I thought he was the best left-back we had come up against in the League. Then this pre-season he was playing against us with Warrington Town, and I thought he was very good once again.
“He adds pace and power and has great delivery from the left hand side. He has been coached the right way until his release from Doncaster Rovers, so he understands the game and what we tell him.
“He is still only 19 and I feel we can progress him as a player, and he can also play in midfield which gives us even more options with him.
“He is very ambitious and if he does well here then who knows where he can go.
“Reece comes in initially as a back-up goalkeeper to Andy Metcalf.
“I think it is important to have two quality keepers at the club as they can really push each other on.
“He is a good young keeper who was only released by Wrexham last season, and from what we have seen in training, I feel he will really push on for that number one shirt this season.” ●