Worcester Raiders manager Karl Gormley believes loan signing Oliver Jones will add ‘quality’ to his side following his arrival from EFL League Two outfit Walsall.
The young defender made the one-month switch at the end of November and featured in a matchday squad for the first time in Raiders’ defeat to Thornbury Town.
Boss Gormley says Jones could make a real difference to his squad as they continue to push forward in the Hellenic Premier Division.
“He’s got a great pedigree,” Gormley said.
“Coming from Walsall, he’s always going to show us something different.
“He’s got a really good aura about him, he’s comfortable on the ball and he’s mature for a young lad.
“We’ll keep having a look at him during training and get him in the different squads.”
WELCOME JONES 🤝
— Worcester Raiders FC (@WorcsRaidersFC) November 25, 2023
✍️ Raiders can confirm the signing of Walsall defender Oliver Jones on a 1 month loan.
"I'm happy with the move, progressing with a good side as well as a good set of fans"
Thanks to Walsall for getting this one over the line 👊 #WeAreRaiders || #UTR⚔️ pic.twitter.com/fT6POyMgAg
The long-serving Gormley also believes that his side can continue to benefit from their good relationship with the Saddlers, who they have previous deal history with.
“To get any player from Walsall, they’re always going to be quality players,” Gormley said.
“A lot of the time they’re young lads, we had Shay Willock from Walsall last season.
“We’ve got a great relationship with them and we’re having a look at another couple of lads from up there.
“With us not having a reserve or youth team this year it’s so useful working with a small squad, trying to keep everyone happy is difficult.
“We’re lucky we’ve got a great group of lads who are always looking to put the club first.
“Not having a place to give the lads minutes is difficult, we’ve got to use the loan system for our development.
“We’ve got some lads on loan at the likes of Bromyard and Littleton and it’s difficult but we’ll keep battling and trying to get it right.”
@karl_gormley thoughts after another historic win in the @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/O2Cr57MzMV
— Worcester Raiders FC (@WorcsRaidersFC) August 5, 2023
Raiders also added Malvern Town midfielder Jack Horrell to their ranks in a bid to further their experience in the centre of the pitch.
“I think Jack’s a quality player,” Gormley said.
“He’s been playing at Malvern locally so we’ve seen plenty of him.
“We had the chance to get him signed and we jumped at that.
“We’ve had some good conversations with him and he’s looking forward to getting involved with the squad.”
The Sixways Stadium residents have been in the thick of the play-off race so far and will look to continue their good run as they enter the festive fixture pile-up.
“There’s a long way to go this season,” Gormley said.
“With those four playoff spots up for grabs this year, it gives everyone an incentive to keep going.
“Usually it’s the top two going up but this time there are different sides in the race thanks to that.
“We’re glad we’ve still got the chance to be in that race, there are 10 or 12 teams that could be in there.”
