Football: Colwyn Bay FC boss signs forward pair

Dec 30 2010

COLWYN Bay manager Dave Challinor is delighted to have added two new strikers to his armoury for some challenging tests ahead.

The Seagulls player-boss is to bring in former Bay front man Rob Hopley on loan from Chester and has reached agreement to sign Chorley hot-shot Aaron Rey.

Challinor believes the two new faces will breathe fresh life into a Colwyn squad in need of a lift after a recent dip in form.

Hopley, a popular goal-getter in his previous stint at Llanelian Road who has made an admirable comeback from a potentially career-threatening knee injury, will hopefully feature in Saturday’s encounter at Ashton United.

Second-placed Bay then entertain leaders FC Halifax Town next Monday (January 3) before Rey is due back from holiday on January 8 and is expected to sign on the dotted line.

"We’ve reached an agreement with the player and Chorley have agreed to release him," revealed Challinor.

"I tried to sign him in the summer from Prescot but he went to Chorley, so it will be great to finally have him on board.

"Everyone knows what Hops is about; I’ve tried to bring him in before but he’s had a few injury niggles and hasn’t played a lot for Chester, but I’m sure he can do a good job for us.

"Both players will offer us different options up front and will add to competition for places in the squad.

"We’ve had a few injuries and illness to contend with lately so I needed to bring some new players in."

With the recent Arctic weather having relented this week, Challinor is hopeful the New Year’s Day visit to Ashton goes ahead as his team has not played a league game since December 11.

"It will give us a chance to find our feet before the Halifax game," added the Bay boss.

Challinor reports midfielder Mick McGraa’s knee injury will not need an operation and he should be out for no more than six weeks.

Fellow central operator Gareth Evans has a bone fracture in a foot and was due to see a specialist yesterday (Wednesday) to determine how long he faces on the sidelines.

Strikers Lee Davey and Karl Noon have been ill this week, but Challinor is hopeful both might have recovered in time for the Ashton tussle.