Morison Out, Christie In?

It’s been widely reported that Iyseden Christie has rejected a new deal at Kidderminster to move south to Blue Square Premier rivals Stevenage.  If Christie signs he will be the 10th signing since Graham Westley took over at the beginning of May. Christie’s imminent arrival could well mean that Steve Morison’s two year spell at Broadhall Way is finally coming to an end after weeks of uncertainty over his future. Morison has been heavily linked with a move to Crewe Alexandra and a move could happen sometime next week. It’s believed that Crewe’s director of football, Dario Gradi, watched Morison while on England C duty last week and is keen to bring the ex-Northampton man to Gresty Road.

What does Iyseden Christie bring to Boro then? Well he’s a strong centre forward who can hold a ball up as well as making good runs of the ball. His goal record isn’t as prolific as it should be for a centre forward, but he is a good player to link up with. Christie was Kiddy’s most dangerous player in the Trophy Final last year, although Constable got the two goals. Christie was always a threat and kept Santos Gaia busy all afternoon. He is likely to play just off the main striker or with a pacy striker like Westcarr or Thomas. He could be a very astute signing if he gets a partnership going with either one of them two which could help them massively over the season.

Boro have also confirmed their pre-season schedule for this season. QPR, Wycombe, Leyton Orient and Peterborough all travel to Broadhall Way to face GW’s new team. Boro will be on the road to Gillingham where they will face ex manager Mark Stimson and several former Boro players at Priestfield. Boro also travel to Boreham Wood, Bognor Regis, Hendon, Hitchin and Northwood. Overall 10 games which will be tough to fit in just over two weeks, so don’t be surprised if you see a few trialists and youth players get their chances to impress at places like Boreham Wood and Hitchin. The only real disappointment is that no “money-spinning” game has been arranged against a team from the Premier League. I wonder how much Phil Wallace and the board will miss the revenue from that fixture.