BREAKING NEWS: Albion swoop for striker
Exclusive By Andrew Simpson
WITTON have signed former Chester City front runner Kevin Rapley.
The 30-year-old switches to Wincham Park from Blue Square North outfit Barrow.
And Jim Vince reckons his arrival sends an ominous message to Witton’s title rivals.
“They’ll read about this and shake their heads,” he told the Guardian today.
"I’ve been trying to get Kevin since last season but he decided to move to Barrow.
“Things haven’t worked out for him there and so I’m delighted he’s agreed to come and help our push for promotion.”
Rapley bolsters an already formidable front line that includes UniBond Premier Division top scorer Adam Warlow, former Alty striker Rod Thornley and prolific ex-Skelmersdale United marksman Tony Evans.
But Vince disagrees he has too many forwards.
“Football changes very quickly,” he said.
"And I want us to be as prepared as we can be for the remaining 11 games of the season.
“By having a forward like Kevin who can complement the way we play is a huge bonus.”
Rapley was a Conference National title winner with Chester in 2004 but left the following season to sign for Droylsden, where he was part of the team that lost in the Conference North play off final to Stafford Rangers.
He joined Leigh RMI after that, scoring the goals that helped them avoid the drop last year.
His next move was to Barrow in October but, following the sacking of Phil Wilson, he fell out of favour under new boss Darren Sheridan.
“We’ve got ourselves a striker with a bit of cunning,” added Vince.
"He is great at holding the ball up and creating openings for other people.
“I know he’ll be a huge asset to us.”