Shepton Mallet boss Andrew Jones hails Scott Murray coup

Shepton Mallet have pulled off a major coup as they go from strength to strength in Toolstation Division 1 with the signing of former Bristol City star Scott Murray.

Manager Andrew Jones worked with the winger during their time together at Bath City last season and described Murray's arrival as a "huge acquisition" following his debut for the club in last Tuesday's 3-2 home in over Elmore.

Jones was, however, keen to stress that Murray will only play a small part for Shepton, due to his commitments as the kit man at Ashton Gate.

"Scott's a player I know from Bath City, so I'm delighted he has signed. He's a great guy and we get on really well," said Jones, who still has his eyes on further signings.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

"It's a huge acquisition for us because his experience and ability will bring so much to the dressing room.

"It also helps us to keep players fresh and that's what having a big squad is all about. Ashley Willmott has been our best player but he's played every game, so with Scott coming in it gave us a chance to give him a rest against Elmore.

"Scott will only play a limited part for us, though, because of his role at Bristol City. But if he can play the odd midweek game or when City don't have a Saturday fixture it'll be a huge boost.

"I still think we may need one or two more in the squad, though, as it's all about keeping players fresh and having competition for places.

"I'm looking at bringing in a centre back and a striker. It may sound strange but I think we need a utility player as well, someone who can just come in and do a job wherever we need them to play.

"The one slight hindrance is that the players I know have Southern League experience, so it's about convincing them that Shepton Mallet are ambitious and a club that want to go places."

After picking up ten of the last available 12 points in the league, Shepton switched their focus to the FA Vase last Saturday.

They suffered a disappointing afternoon, however, exiting the competition with a 2-1 defeat in the first qualifying round at Radstock Town.

Jones is now targeting a return to winning ways when Corsham Town visit West Shepton for a league clash on Saturday (3pm).

"We just didn't take our chances last Saturday," said Jones. "We dominated for the first 25 minutes and if it had been a boxing contest it would have been stopped.

"They then scored two quickfire goals and it knocked us back. I can't be disappointed with the way we played, though, because we did a really good job.

"We are at home again now and it's important to get as many points as we can there. We want to win every game at home to put ourselves in a strong position."