New defender joins Brighouse as boss looks for more complete performances
Manager Luke Haigh has called for more prolonged periods of good play from his Brighouse side as he prepares for the pre-season friendly at Rochdale Sacred Heart on Saturday.
Brighouse lost 2-0 at home to FC Halifax Town in a match in which Haigh was uncertain of the calibre of side the National League neighbours would field.
Having watched John McGrath put his full squad, including first team, through an extensive training session before the match, Haigh opted for a more conservative approach against what was in the end a team of trialists complemented by FC Halifax youth teamers.
Haigh was then disappointed with the long periods of indifference in the 2-1 away win against Malt Shovel but stated: “If we can play below par and still come away with a win, I suppose that’s not a bad sign.”
Brighouse followed that up with a 4-1 win over Greetland last week and Haigh said: “We had a 25-minute spell I was pleased with at Malt Shovel and versus Greetland that spell was 40 minutes.
"I’ll be looking for those better spells to get longer as pre-season progresses and we move toward the start of the league season.”
Brighouse’s next text comes at Rochdale Sacred Heart this weekend and the visitors will be boosted by the arrival of a new left back.
Carl Maguire is a previous Brighouse youth teamer who was part of the squad that made the FA Youth Cup first round in 2011 and Haigh is thrilled to bring him to Hove Edge, saying: “He’s a quality left-back who gives us balance, experience, and leadership.
"Brilliant in the dressing room, great with the younger lads, and I’m delighted to have him on board.
“He might not be the biggest, but he’s tenacious, loves defending one-on-ones, and never shirks a challenge. He’s a solid signing for the club.”
Maguire is Town’s 13th signing this summer but Haigh is not finished there, saying: ”I’m looking at bringing in maybe three or four more signings and we won’t be far away then.”