Former skipper Tony Nicholson returns to Gretna 2008

Nov 30 2012 by Andrew Burns, Dumfries & Galloway Standard

Former Gretna 2008 captain Tony Nicholson has returned to the Raydale Park club.

Nicholson signed with Kenny Brown’s team on Friday after a spell in the north of England.

The striker is not available for this weekend’s cup visit of Whitehill Welfare but assistant manager Piero Baldotto reckon the player will prove to be a valuable addition.

He said: “Tony’s a real goalscorer and that’s something we’ve missed in the squad.

“We are lacking a bit in centre areas and we were very keen to strengthen up top.

“After bringing in Robbie Vallance the week before it’s great to get another striker like Tony signed up.

“He won’t be available for this weekend’s game as his wife is expecting but hopefully we should have him in the squad within a couple of weeks.”

Gretna’s Image Printers quarter final cup clash against East of Scotland Premier Division rivals Whitehill was called off last weekend after days of heavy rain left the Raydale pitch unplayable.

The fixture was pushed back a week, which could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Gretna with the return of number one goalkeeper Ross Hyslop.

Baldotto said: “Ross was scheduled to go for a knee operation but it has been cancelled so he is back in contention.

“He’s an important player for us so it will be good to have him back in the squad on Saturday.”

The assistant boss added: “Whitehill will be a real test for our boys – they’re a very useful side with a strong squad.

“They are very organised and there’s a reason why they are one of the top sides in the premier division.

“But we deserve to be at this stage and if we play like we are capable of then we will give them a game.”

Baldotto also insists that the Raydale side are still keen to add to the squad following the arrival of Nicholson and Vallance.

He said: “We’ve got a squad of around 18 to 19 players and we are still hoping to bring in a couple of midfielders and at least one defender.

“A couple of the lads will be moved on to open up space and hopefully we can get some bodies in.”

Gretna 2008 host Whitehill Welfare in the last eight of the Image Printers cup at Raydale Park on Saturday, kick-off 1.30pm.