PERSHORE Town boss Quentin Townsend hopes to get the best out of "feisty" character Billy Garvey.

The frontrunner bagged 18 goals from 24 starts and 12 substitute appearances as Redditch Borough went within a whisker of promotion from Midland League Division Two and two cup wins last season.

One of those goals came when Garvey earned and scored the penalty that opened the scoring in Borough's 2-1 Evesham Hospital Junior Cup triumph over Inkberrow in May.

Townsend acknowledged his new recruit had become renowned for being an uncompromising character on the pitch but insisted his influence on Borough's success last term should not be overlooked.

“The lad contacted me through some of his friends that play here already,” said Townsend.

“He wanted the opportunity to test himself at our level. We put in the approach but he decided to stay for a few weeks before contacting me again to say he felt ready.

“It was out of the blue but we soon revisited it and hopefully the paperwork will be complete in time for Saturday.

“I have spoken to a lot of people who know him and he comes highly recommended. We do need more options at the sharp end and I quite like the fact he is a bit feisty.

“We know he hasn’t had the best of disciplinary records in the past but hopefully, stepping up will help him to realise that cannot happen.

“From what I know of him, I think that’s behind him now. He just wants his crack at the next stage and we're happy to give him the chance.”