WESLEY Joyce made a surprise return to Evesham colours last weekend and he will be joined by another player who will bring even more steel into United's ranks.

Former Solihull and Redditch stopper Lee Knight signed from Willenhall earlier this week and Dave Busst will plunge the experienced defender straight into the side for Saturday's tough trip to Rugby United.

"I haven't brought him here to sit on the bench," the Common Road chief declared. "We were caught on the break twice at Clevedon, conceded three in ten minutes at Yate and two more sloppy ones against Shepshed, so I think something had to be done.

"As for Wesley coming back, I was in two minds after what had gone before," Busst admitted. "However, Westy had a good chat with him and he is under no illusions that if he steps out of line then he will be out.

"Forwards are few and far between and Wes was on the doorstep and available. His workrate and commitment were superb last Saturday and he did just the job that I expected him to do."

While Joyce and Knight will join Busst's other recruits Craig Pountney and Andy Hammett in the squad for the Rugby clash, long serving Jay Powell has left Common Road and he is expected to link up with Stourport Swifts.

"Jay obviously wants to play but he's not getting into the side at the moment and the arrival of Lee will obviously leave him even further down the pecking order," the Robins manager said.

"He's been a great servant to the club and I wish him well."

Pountney is in line for his first start after scoring twice when coming off the bench last weekend and that could mean fellow newcomer Hammett dropping down to the bench.

"Craig's been unfortunate in that he was unavailable for the Shepshed game after doing well at Yate but he has certainly showed an eye for goal," Busst admitted.

"However, he's ineligible next Tuesday but he is in line to start at Rugby."

Halesowen Town are the visitors to Common Road next week for a first round Worcestershire Senior Cup tie that is a repeat of last year's final that United lost 3-0 over two legs.