Stourbridge win race for Mark Benbow

Jul 3 2008 By Nick Pullen

STOURBRIDGE manager Gary Hackett has beaten off interest from a string of rival clubs to capture experienced midfielder Mark Benbow from Bromsgrove.

The 30-year-old former Worcester City, Hereford United and Merthyr Tydfil man had to spend 18 months on the sidelines after suffering knee problems.

Despite returning to fitness last December, Benbow found himself out of favour at Bromsgrove.

Hackett, who managed Benbow during his time in charge at the Victoria Ground, said: “It’s a situation I’ve been keeping my eye on. Mark’s very verstaile and can play in a number of different positions.

“He bucks the trend of players I’ve been bringing into Stourbridge, because he doesn’t live locally, being based in Tenbury Wells. But he’s always travelled throughout his career.’’

Southern Premier rivals Evesham United have added Chippenham Town’s Tom Etheridge to their squad.

Etheridge is studying at Cheltenham University together with Evesham United’s Mark Hands.

Evesham manager Paul West is also attempting to recruit midfielder Mark Taylor.

But he faces a tug-of-war with Rugby Town, who are managed by Taylor’s former boss Rod Brown, who was at Bromsgrove last season.

West claimed: “I think he lost a bit of enthusiasm when Rod was sacked from Bromsgrove but when I spoke to Mark, I could feel the fire was still there.’’

Evesham have moved a step closer to playing on their own Cheltenham Road ground for next season.

Outline planning permission has now been granted to develop a site containing seven full-size pitches plus training area.

Chairman Jim Cockerton said: “We’re just waiting for a grant to come through.

“When completed, it will provide us with the best football facilities in Worcestershire.

“The ground will be built to Southern Premier specifications and I expect work to last for six months, which means it should be ready for next August 2009.’’