MANAGER Karl Gormley says the long-awaited return of striker Richard Smith feels “like a new signing” for Worcester Raiders.

Gormley said Smith was back available to play for Raiders and had arranged a friendly at Oldbury United tomorrow (2pm) to improve the forwards' match fitness.

Second-placed Raiders have not struggled for goals this term as they have netted 37 times in 12 West Midlands League Division One games.

But Gormley insisted “you can never have too many goalscorers” and was looking forward to seeing Smith back in action.

“Rich has been away up until now so it’s like having a new signing,” Gormley said.

“He was our top goalscorer last season and has been a cracking player for us over the years.

“There are not many players we would take on at the minute because of the way we have been playing.

“But all the lads are really exciting to get Rich back playing. He can’t wait either.

“Roland Krol, Tyler Attwood, Josh Wetherby and Anthony Smith have scored goals. Matty Andrews and Luke Molloy can also play up front so we are spoilt for choice.

“But you can’t turn down a player like Rich.

“His goalscoring record speaks for itself.”

Gormley is also set to use the clash with Division Two outfit Oldbury to experiment with different systems ahead of their WFA Saturday Junior Cup tie with Feckenham next weekend.

“We didn’t want to go another week without a game,” Gormley added.

“We have been working on a few things in training but there is nothing like doing it in a match.”