After the announcement earlier today that Darlaston's recruitment drive is well underway (see ) now we would like to introduce the final two of the four new faces added to the first team squad, let us introduce a second central defender and an “all action” young midfielder.

Darlaston’s mew management team have not only been busy arranging the pre-season matches which was not easy because of not knowing which Division of the WMRL Darlaston would be playing in. Planning all the pre-season training sessions, three a week from the beginning of June until the first League match on the 3 August and finally recruiting nine new players for the forthcoming season to add strength and depth to last seasons Division One runners up.

The delay in knowing where the club would be playing also had an impact on the players the management team were looking to keep and give them a stable base to build from moving forward, well that eagerly awaited retained list will be released in the next couple pf days.

Now we welcome two new young players to the squad, one certainly has experience beyond his years and should be recognised by most Darlaston supporters because of his performances when playing against us, the second natural born leader and defender announced today, and an elusive skilful “run all day” midfielder, who has seriously impressed in training sessions so far with his natural fitness.

Darlaston welcomes Connor Fellows and Morgan Campbell

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Connor Fellows
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A 22-year old left footed defender, who arguably plays out of position when playing in the back line, as some would say he is never utilised in his best position as a defensive midfielder. Conner has been known to some of the management team for years, having played for and against Simon’s youth team in the Stourbridge League, his development has been carefully planned, playing and captaining his team in the Midland Junior Premier League, Floodlit League, and progressing into the senior team at Gornal Athletic as a regular before reaching 20 years old.

Connor last season captained Willenhall Town and despite a difficult season, led the side exceptionally well earning respect from many people with the local non-league community for his loyalty to squad, manager and the club. He is a versatile player, two footed, although now favours his left side, strong in the air, a danger at set pieces, a no-nonsense player who does the simple things well.

When asked about Connor Andy Parkes said “Connor is a player we have admired for a long time, we worked hard to add him to the squad last summer, but he decided to stay with Matt Fisher at Willenhall. He is defiantly a team player, loyal to the end for the club he is playing for, even if things are not going well, a fantastic attribute to have for someone so young, his leadership qualities are outstanding always encouraging his teammates with positive remarks. Simon knows Connor well and maintains there is more to come, he sees his best position in midfield rather than at the back”.

Parkes added “We have played against Connor for the last three seasons, he has always been totally committed and been the stand-out player in each game. We are absolutely delighted to have finally got Connor to commit to the club, he is defiantly the kind of player and person we want to add to the group”.

Previous clubs
Cradley Town, Gornal Athletic and Willenhall Town

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Morgan Campbell

Morgan is a 19-year developing midfield player, who has outstanding natural athletic ability, he possesses a fantastic engine allowing to run all day. He is a skill full versatile creative box to box player, who does the simple things very well, very rarely does he give the ball away, looking to “pass and move” at every opportunity.

Throughout his youth career he was always involved with the first steam squad at AFC Telford United and Sporting Khalsa, looking to learn off his peers, a great trait to have.

When asked about Morgan Manger Parkes said “It was suggested by a colleague we should have a look at Morgan, because he offers something different to your usual midfielders and they weren’t wrong. Every session he has attended, Morgan has impressed with his natural athletic ability and fitness, he seems to be able to run forever. Also, when the ball has come out for simple possession-based games, he has always been involved asking for the ball, and keeping possession by doing the simple things well. He doesn’t finish there, his is off moving into space demanding the ball from his teammates. Another young player who seems to have the drive to succeed and mature beyond his age in the way he plays and conducts himself”.

Nick Lewis added “Morgan is aware he needs to learn and improve this season, and hopefully we can improve him even more as a player, ensuring he is fitter, faster and knows what is required of him on and off the pitch. He is open to not only advice but constructive criticism and so far, has picked up on the things we have suggested very quickly”.

Previous clubs include
AFC Telford United, Sporting Khalsa and Old Wulfrunians