MANAGER Jimmy Mullen has tried to bring striker Arthur Appleton back to Bromsgrove Rovers.

The Rovers manager has already tried to contact Appleton, who left arch derby rivals Redditch United last week.

While Mullen has yet to speak with Appleton he believes the next step is down to the striker, who left Rovers for Redditch in December.

Mullen said: "I've left messages on Arthur's phone so it's up to him if he wants to get in contact.

"The ball is in his court, we've made our move."

Appleton made a blistering start to his time at Redditch, scoring four goals in his first six games.

However, he was a victim of a major shake up at the Valley Stadium, as Reds manager Rod Brown wrung the changes after last week's 5-1 loss to Halesowen in the Worcestershire Senior Cup.

Defender Karl Johnson looks set to be leaving Rovers for Halesowen this week.

Johnson, who debuted for Rovers at Marlow in January, is set to talk to club officials today (Wednesday) and is expected to move.

Mullen said: "Karl was a player people were frightened to look at, but I knew he was good enough.

"We don't want him to leave, but we can't stop him."

Defender Matt Gardiner though is set to be a straight replacement for Johnson after he re-joined Rovers on Friday.

Gardiner enjoyed a successful loan spell at Rovers in December, before going back to Redditch.

Mullen said: "Matt has lots of experience and he will be a great addition."

The Rovers manager has also set his sights on capturing Stourbridge's attacking midfielder Leon Broadhurst.

Mullen has a gentlemen's agreement with manager Gary Hackett not to talk to the player until after Stourbridge's FA Vase game at AFC Sudbury on Saturday - but will speak with him straight after.

Rovers have signed left winger Andy Turner from Banbury last week.

The former Tottenham Hotspurs player moved to Rovers after being denied many first team chances with Premier Division Banbury .

Turner made a name for himself aged 17 by being the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League's inaugural 1992/1993 season, when he bagged the winner in Spurs' 2-1 win over Everton.

The winger has also had spells at Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Rotheram.

* The Rovers boss has urged his team to beat Brackley at home on Saturday (3pm kick off) and Paulton Rovers away on Monday (7.45pm kick off) to keep their promotion chase going in the Southern League Division One West.

Mullen said: "We can't get too carried away yet, but I want us to take maximum point over the next two games.

"It would give us the boost we need."

By Peter McKinney