Pearson adds to striker worries

Last updated : 25 July 2008 By Dane Vincent

Tomorrow it will be two weeks until Notts County kick-off the new season against League Two promotion favourites, Bradford City.


Academic: Pearson opted to join the Brewers so that he could continue his studies...
County have just two contracted strikers, and targets are slipping away fast.


Today, Greg Pearson, who was on-trial from Bishop Stratford, opted to sign a part-time deal with Nigel Clough's Burton Albion.


Ian McParland had offered Pearson a full-time contract, with the possibility of improved terms, should the move work out.


The powerful striker felt that his prospects were better with
Burton, where he could continue his university studies, rather than gamble on success at football league level.


"We offered Greg a good deal, especially when you consider he still isn't tried and tested at League Two level," explained McParland, speaking to the club's official website.


"I did promise Greg that if he continued to do well that around Christmas time we would tear up his contract and offer him another one."


Without the funds to splash out a major transfer fee on a tried and tested goal-scorer, the Notts' gaffer is going to have to pull off something special to ensure he gets the right man.


The options are running out fast for County, with the countdown to the new

Tick tock: Time is running out for McParland
campaign reaching the latter stages.


A decision is still to be made, however, on Ben Fairclough. The diminutive forward will expect to have his future decided next week.


The only problem with the ex-Forest youngster is that he fits into the same mould of Jamie Forrester and Spencer Weir-Daley, whereas Notts are desperate for variety.


There is no doubt that the pressure is on for the management team to swoop for at least two more front-men before that ever so crucial opening day fixture.