ROCESTER have announced the signing of right-back Joe Rogers, on loan from Stafford Rangers.

Rogers, who is set to make his debut in tomorrow's 'six-pointer' against struggling Bridgnorth Town, follows midfielder Chris Sterling along the path to Rocester from the Blue Square North side.

The 18-year-old has come off the bench for Rangers this season and is seen as an exciting prospect.

"Obviously by taking these lads on we want to make the most use of them while we've got them," said Romans boss Dave Langston.

"I'm hoping to get them bedded in quickly."

And the new boss believes his recent additions, who also include Danny Lowndes, Morgan Hurley and the returning Doug McLeod, have vastly improved Rocester's survival hopes.

"The team we have got now – the team we will put out for the Loughborough game [last night's fixture] and Saturday's match – is a lot stronger than when I first arrived," he said.

And that bodes well for tomorrow's crunch clash at home to Bridgnorth Town. "I'm certainly looking for a big result," added Langston.

"We might have five games in hand on Shifnal [second-bottom in the Midland Alliance] but we have to get points on the board early."

Supporters have been used to seeing new names on the Rocester team sheet this season with almost 40 players donning the shirt so far.

But fans could soon be cheering on a few familiar faces as Langston looks to entice past players back to the fold.

Marchington keeper Alex Langridge and Uttoxeter Town defender Paddy Farrelly are both now back at the Midland Alliance club. And more Rocester old boys could follow.

"I'm doing my homework on who has left and why they've gone," said Langston.

"I am going to look local. You do need local lads and the supporters like to see local players who they can perhaps relate to more."

But whether from the Uttoxeter area or not, avoiding relegation remains the overriding concern.

The manager said: "At the end of the day if bringing new players in from further afield will improve the team then we will have to do it.

"Rocester Football Club is the most important thing – and staying in this division."

Rocester's fixture pile-up is another reason Langston is exploring all avenues in terms of player recruitment. Biddulph Victoria are the only Midland Alliance side to have played fewer games than the Romans following a spate of postponements over the past few months.

"With being such a young team I am mindful that we have to be careful not to burn players out," added the manager.

Last Saturday's scheduled fixture away to Coleshill Town was the latest match to be frozen off.

But Langston welcomed the postponement after suffering a defensive crisis leading up to the game.

"All three of our centre-backs were out," said the manager.

"It was a bit of a blessing. Having the game called off did us a favour."