Heeley gambling on Pike catch (From Worcester News)

Heeley gambling on Pike catch

9:00am Wednesday 17th March 2010

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MANAGER Carl Heeley has described the decision to bring Jason Pike to Worcester City as a “calculated gamble”.

The right-sided midfielder has been plucked from Midland Alliance strugglers Bridgnorth Town, who play three leagues below City, and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit of St Albans.

Pike is highly recommended by assistant boss Mark Clyde and the Blue Square South club have made their move after tracking the player for several weeks.

Heeley believes the eight-goal 21-year-old has potential and does not want to be short of players when the registration deadline passes at the end of the month.

He said: “If we see players with ability at lower levels we are more than prepared to give them the opportunity to try and improve them.

“There had been rumours of Football League clubs looking to take him for a trial but we thought we would get in there first. We feel it’s a calculated gamble.”

He added: “He first came to my attention through Mark, who lives in Bridgnorth. He had seen him play and gave him a glowing report. We will try to help him make the step up to this level of football.”

Pike has played 28 times for Bridgnorth this season and was on target in their 2-1 victory at Oadby last weekend.

Boss Andy Marlowe waived City’s seven-day approach in order for the switch to happen and reckons Pike has the ability to succeed.

Heeley added: “I have had a look at him in training but I have to split the duties with Mark and have more than enough faith in his judgement of a player. It’s a team effort and you have to trust your staff.

“We feel he’s got the basic qualities. Their manager did not want to stand in his way and he thinks he should be playing at a higher level.”

Clyde returned to training on Monday and has a chance of facing St Albans on Saturday but fellow defender Tom Kemp (shoulder) is not expected to be available.

Keeper Jake Meredith played for the reserves in a 1-0 win over Atherstone.