Alfreton Town FC Forum

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Lee Harper has hinted there could be one more "surprise" signing to come at Kettering Town.
The Poppies head to Blue Square Bet North title favourites Alfreton Town tonight as they look to put an end to four successive pre-season friendly defeats so far.

Former Bradford City midfielder Stephen O'Leary is set to feature again after playing in the second half of the 2-1 defeat at Corby Town last weekend.

Harper revealed he believes he has missed out on a loan signing from League One but didn't rule out a move for O'Leary or anyone else who may be on the radar.

"We were waiting for an answer back from a League One club but I think AFC Wimbledon may have beaten us to that player's signature," Harper said.

"There are other possibilities but if we need to get a couple of loan players in we will and they will come in from a higher level.

"The key thing is that if we do bring anyone else in then they need to improve us.

"Stephen is a talented player and I am not sure if we can do anything with him budget-wise but he will play a part at Alfreton and then look to make a decision.

"There might still be another surprise in the offing but everyone will find out about that sooner rather than later if it comes off."

Harper, meanwhile, is aware things aren't going to get any easier for his team as they look to halt a run of four friendly defeats.

Alfreton have beaten Luton Town and Rotherham United in their last two games and the Poppies boss knows his team are in for another big test.

"They are favourites to win their division and they have beaten some good sides recently," he added.

"It's a huge task but we will look to put a team out there that will be close to what we go with on the first day of the season.

"It would be nice to get a positive result but the truth is, you don't win anything in pre-season and we are working towards Gateshead and that alone.

"Fitness-wise, I think we are nearly there and the boys had a really tough session at a boxing gym on Tuesday.

"Now is the time where we will start easing them down and really prepare well for that first game."
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