MIDFIELDER Riad Erraji has returned to the Victoria Ground to give Bromsgrove Rovers a much-needed boost.

The midfield schemer was set to make his first team return at Rovers in Tuesday night's home game against Leighton Town.

Erraji decided to leave Rushall Olympic to join Bromsgrove Rovers for the second time and it is thought he has signed on at the club until the end of next season.

Erraji, who was named the Advertiser/Messenger's player of the season for the 2004/2005 campaign, left Rovers after failing to nail down a regular place under the stewardship of former manager Jimmy Mullen.

Chairman Tom Herbert said: "We're all delighted to have Riad back.

"He was popular with the fans and made a big impact on us last season. Hopefully he can do the same this time."

Erraji comes in at the right time as Rovers are severely depleted in midfield. With Anthony Maguire leaving for Hednesford last week and Scott Hadland departure in January, Rovers' midfield has been left under strength.

Erraji could brighten up a gloomy league campaign for the supporters in the Southern League Division One West, if he can repeat some of the excellent performances that helped drive Rovers to the play-off final against Evesham.

Brown has also brought in midfielder Daire Doyle from Redditch United until the end of the season.

The Dublin born midfielder, aged 25, joined Kidderminster Harriers from Coventry City and made seven appearances in the league.

He has also played for Nuneaton Borough and Moor Green, before moving to United.

Brown will be hoping that the arrival of both players will help his team carve out a strong run until the end of the season.

With 12 games left Rovers still harbour faint hopes of sneaking into a play-off spot, but can only afford to lose one game.

Brown will fancy his side's chances though, as Rovers' remaining fixtures contain sides around and below them in the table.

Starting with last night's match against Leighton, Rovers have four home games in a row, playing Bracknell on Saturday, March 4 (3pm kick off), Thame United a week later and Taunton Town on March 18.

This period could be Rovers' most important of the season, with the Errea League Cup semi-final away at Chippenham on Tuesday, March 7 (7.45pm, kick off).

Striker Matthew Barnes-Homer is set to return to USA after leaving Rovers.

By Peter McKinney