Buxton splash the cash

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John Reed, manager of UniBond League Premier Division club Buxton, has expressed his delight at the signing of striker Neil Ross from Ilkeston Town for a fee of around £15,000.

Ross, 25 was Ilkeston’s top scorer with ten goals and started his career with Leeds United before enjoying spells with Stockport County, Macclesfield Town and non-League clubs Halifax Town, Alfreton Town, Bradford Park Avenue and Ossett Town.

"He is a big lad, at six foot three and is a massive signing for us," said Reed. "We’ve been chasing him for quite a few weeks and I’ve got to thank Chris Brindley because it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for him.

"We beat several clubs to this lad and he has signed a two and half year contract with us.

"He can score goals at this level and can command the front line, which is what you need in the UniBond Premier."

Ilkeston`s assistant-manager Martin Carruthers claims the club will not make any knee-jerk signings to replace their top-scorer.

Carruthers, who also plays as a striker, believes the team have enough firepower already to cope with Ross’ departure.

They won their first game without the twelve-goal hitman on Wednesday night and take on high-flying Gateshead on Saturday.

"It’s a massive loss to us but when a club can offer a two-and-a-half year contract on more money, you have to accept the player’s decision," said Carruthers.

"I’ve been in the situation myself as a player. People talk about loyalty but as soon as a team don’t want a player any more they get rid of him. It’s a short career and you have to make the most of it.

"It’s a disappointment but we believe we have the players to do the job. There’s myself, Adam Muller, Adam Lee and young Shane Newton - we’ve got enough options to see us through.

"In time, if it turns out that we do need another option, then we will look into strengthening

From the non league daily[br][size=1]Posted on: November 18, 2007, 06:34:07 PM[/size][hr]I think Buxton are going to have a big say in the title this year, they are putting players on big and long term contracts the manager has just signed for two more years. They have just beaten Guiseley, and have to play us once, Fleetwood twice, Gateshead twice, Marine twice so they could end up doing us a few favours along the way

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That makes Adam worth at least £50k, not that we want him to go anywhere!!! In all seriousness despite a few people starting a few rumours ( ;)) it does beg the question as to the value of our current squad of players, many of which could play higher (if not Inter Milan)!

Liam getting chosen for England ‘C’ arguably makes him the best left-back in non-league (I would not have thought their were too many foreign left-backs in non-league football). Warlow, Thornley, Peers, Lloyd, Brown, Coo and Kearney could also potentially compete at a higher level.

We do need to consider the contracts some of these players are on and extending them whilst possible. I am sure suitable clauses could be agreed regards offers from higher clubs and the like. Equally I feel any/all of the above would do us proud in BSN if we are able to get there (long way to go yet).

If we lose any of the above (and at some point it is likely based on current performances) then we need to ensure we generate a good return. If we go up then it would be great to keep the squad together as there is absolutely no reason why (with a few additions) we don’t keep the momentum going towards the Conference. It will not be easy but if Farsley can do it then there is no reason why we can’t!

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No money changed hands for Neil Ross despite the press reports, he was not a contracted player at Ilkeston Town much to the disappointment of the Ilkeston fans.This is reported on the Ilkeston Town forum.