RICHARD Reeves has joined manager Dave Langston's Rocester revolution after signing from Brocton.

The centre-back, who can also operate in midfield, has been touted as a potential Romans captain and adds further strength to a squad already boosted by recent additions Morgan Hurley and Chris Stirling.

"He has plenty of pedigree," said Langston. "A really strong character – a good leader. People will look up to him."

The manager is also tracking a right-back and hopes to announce another new name imminently.

Langston captured Stirling – who was forced to kick his heels on the bench last weekend due to administrative reasons – on loan from Stafford Rangers.

And the Romans boss is aiming to use his connections with the Blue Square North club to bring in his latest target.

"I'm waiting on a call right now," said Langston speaking on Thursday afternoon.

An under-strength Rocester were thumped 6-0 on Tuesday evening against Newcastle Town in the Staffs FA Senior Cup. But Langston preferred to concentrate on the previous Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Studley.

"It was a vast improvement," insisted the manager. "I was really pleased. We were miles better, a completely different outfit. We should have got something from the game. I was disappointed with the result, but pleased with the performance."

Langston also hailed the impact of debutant striker Hurley.

"He made a difference up front," added Langston. "On another day, he could have had a hat-trick. In my first game in charge (the 1-0 defeat at home to Coventry Sphinx) we created one chance with just a lot of huffing and puffing. Against Studley, we created a good dozen chances.

"Straight away, we have made an improvement."

Rocester also boasted the biggest attendance in the Midland Alliance on Saturday with 114 supporters through the turn-styles. And Langston believes with the improvements on the pitch, allied with support on the terraces, Rocester are more than capable of moving away from the Midland Alliance drop zone. He added: "Obviously the support before, during, and after the game was brilliant. With support like that, I am sure the players will respond."

One player fans will not be cheering on is John Littler. The midfielder, who only arrived at Hillsfield earlier this year, is the latest casualty of Rocester's decision to axe its playing budget.

Rocester's financial plight has been well documented over the past weeks and months. But at last Friday's open meeting, new treasurer Paul Wood revealed that £1,000 had been wiped off the club's debt in three weeks.

Wood said the club had moved forward both on and off the field during the last month – and that "now was the time for a new air of openness and optimism to blow through".