The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding United have made an eye-catching move to sign former Nottingham Forest striker Nialle Rodney.
The 24-year-old, who also lists Bradford City, Lincoln City, AFC Telford United and Hartlepool United among his former clubs, signed terms at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field last night (Tuesday).
A striker that can also play wide like current leading scorer Josh Moreman, Spalding boss Pat Rayment is very excited about his latest recruit.
Although he’s not played for a year since leaving Hartlepool, the Tulips chief admits that he looked impressive at his first training session.
“I think Nialle is a very exciting signing for the club,” said Rayment. “At training he looked a class apart, it’s very exciting to have him on board.
“You wouldn’t know he’s had a year out of the game.
“He can play as a striker or out wide, a bit like Josh Moreman, and will give us excellent options going forward.
“From what I’ve seen so far he’s a very, very impressive player.”
Rodney began his career with Forest in the 2009/10 season, but spent much of that on loan at Ilkeston Town – where he made nine appearances and scored twice.
He eventually made his Forest debut in 2010 against Cardiff City, but was then loaned out to Burton Albion before leaving the City Ground for Bradford City.
A few appearances later he was again farmed out on loan to Darlington and later Mansfield Town.
The striker signed for Lincoln City in January 2012, making six appearances before joining AFC Telford a year later.
He then joined Hartlepool on a one-year deal and made 12 appearances in the 2013/14 campaign before leaving the club in March 2014.
A brief spell at Grantham and District League side Greyhounders saw him bag eight goals in seven games in 2014, but his move to the Sir Halley ends a one-year exile from the game.
Rodney is expected to feature at Market Drayton Town on Saturday (3pm).
