A Tale Of Two Lukes ....

The Reds management duo of Gary Whild and Micky Moore have been quick to bring in more attacking options to the squad following last weekends dissapointing F.A. Trophy exit to Unibond Premier League team Guiseley AFC.

Luke Barlone - 21 year old, former Bromsgrove Rovers and Atherstone Town striker Luke Barlone,

joins the Reds from Shepshed Dynamo, whom he leaves as their current joint top scorer with 8

eague goals already this season in the Unibond First Division South. After joining Atherstone,

rom Stratford Town, in 2008 he scored freely last season helping the Adders to win the Aspire

Midland Alliance title and the Southern League Cup before earning himself a close season move

o Bromsgrove Rovers although he left the Victoria Ground before making a single league

ppearance and signed for Halesowen Town, leaving for Shepshed just a month or so later. A host

of other teams had been chasing Luke for his signature but it was Gary Whild who managed to win

the race just hours before Tuesday nights match with AFC Telford. Gary said of Luke, "he reminds

me alot of James Dance who did so well for us earlier in the season before he moved on to sign for

Kettering Town in the Conference Prem but I would almost go as far as to say that Luke is further

own the line than James, he is a renowned goal scorer and has proven that wherever he has gone,

yes this is a step up for him (2 leagues above Shepshed Dynamo) but I believe he has got what it takes to make it at this level and possibly even higher and he can definately add attacking options to our current squad"

Luke Benbow - 18 year old striker who joins the Reds from Birmingham City's Community Youth programme. Luke has been working with current Reds stalwart Jerry Gill - who is the Birmingham City Community Youth coach and he has impressed Jerry enough with his natural ability, professional attitude and willingness to knuckle down and work hard that Jerry recommended him to Reds boss Gary Whild. Jerry said of Luke, ''Luke is a raw talent that would have probably gone under the radar, he is a natural goalscorer who is very strong and physical in his play and having worked with him for a while now I had no hesitation in recommending him to Gary (Whild) and its now down to Luke himself to show what he can do having been given the opportunity to progress and further his careeer in the game"

Luke Barlone made his reds debut in Tuesday's terrific 3 vs 1 victory at home to play off chasing AFC Telford Utd and impressed with his energetic display and attacking prowess and he certainly looks like a player who will create opportunities for the team.

Luke Benbow is available for selection after his registration went through today and he may well feature in the squad for this weekends tough home clash against promotion chasing Eastwood Town.

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