Clarkson back to help Holtham (From Redditch Advertiser)

Clarkson back to help Holtham

10:40am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport

ALVECHURCH boss Dean Holtham plucked an ace from his sleeve when he dragged former Birmingham City captain Ian Clarkson out of retirement this week.

The move worked a treat as Church dealt Midland Alliance strugglers Heath Hayes a 6-2 thrashing with the 41-year-old playing a key role.

Clarkson, who can name Stoke City, Northampton Town and Kidderminster Harriers among his former clubs, played right back for fully 80 minutes.

Holtham said: “It’s something I’d always planned to do, getting Clarkie involved. “We quite often play together in charity matches for Blues Old Boys, so getting him on board at Alvechurch is something we’d talked about and he just happened to be free to face Heath Hayes.

“He was excellent and made a real difference, because he talked to the players throughout the game.

“Don’t forget, we’re a very young side with an average age of just 18, so it was important to have an experienced head in there.

“It’s not a one-off, I think Clarkie enjoyed it and I hope he continues to play a part.”

In truth, Church took Heath Hayes apart in a 20-minute spell when they netted four goals, although Holtham was more concerned by the manner in which the Churchmen leaked two sloppy goals.

Holtham added: “I said last week that someone was going to cop a whacking off us sooner or later. All we have to do is maintain this form now.”

Jazz Luckie led the scoring spree at Heath Hayes with a hat-trick while James Cosgrave, Tristan Bentley and Omari Sterling-James also hit the target.

Alvechurch entertain Coleshill Town this Saturday at Lye Meadow where Holtham is hoping to have former Kidderminster Harrier midfielder Mike McGrath available.