Halesowen snap up Carl Palmer

Dec 12 2009 by Colin Stoner, Birmingham Mail

MATT Clarke has no doubts that King’s Lynn’s loss will certainly be Halesowen Town’s gain after the surprise capture of Carl Palmer.

The former Hednesford Town, Rushall Olympic and Redditch United midfielder was left without a club when King’s Lynn folded.

But Yeltz boss Clarke wasted little time in snapping up his one-time Reds team-mate and Palmer made his debut in Tuesday night’s draw against Merthyr Tydfil.

A hamstring niggle cut short his outing and Palmer will face a fitness test before today’s trip to Didcot Town.

But Clarke believes Palmer’s experience will be vital in their bid to push into the Zamaretto Premier promotion race.

“Carl will be a massive part of our play,” said Clarke.

“He is a big, big signing for us.

“It’s unfortunate he picked up a niggle but a fully fit Carl Palmer will bring a lot of experience and a lot of drive to us. He will push us forward as a club.”

Palmer is the second new face at the Grove after goalkeeper Chris Kiely signed on loan from Leamington.

The former Gillingham youngster’s arrival is a timely one after Nick Bussey – one of the few players to remain from last season – returned to former club Kettering Town. The Yeltz will keep Bussey’s registration.

“Nick works for the Kettering chairman so it’s a tricky situation but he can be dual registered,” said Clarke.

Despite Halesowen’s own financial plight after being put into administration, Clarke’s squad has risen to the challenge and they are unbeaten in their last ten league games.

But for their ten points deduction they would be in second place. Clarke, however, is realistic.

“Just for the club to be playing is an achievement,” he said.

“We’ve been through a difficult time.but I’m just hoping the outlook is a bit brighter.”