Oliver Leslie has been welcomed in out of the cold by Rayners Lane manager Mick Bradshaw.
Leslie had been frozen out at Tithe Farm under previous boss Dene Gardner but is back in the squad these days alongside brother Paul.
Both played in Saturday’s 3-1 second round BlueFin Challenge Cup victory over New College Swindon, where Nick Barr’s sensational hat-trick secured their safe passage into round three.
Bradshaw has been looking for someone to link the play between his midfield and forward-line and believes he has found his man in ‘Ollie’.
“Ollie Leslie has been out of the picture for a couple of years,” explained the Lane chief.
“I don’t think the previous manager particularly rated him but he’s technically very good. Ollie can link the play well and that’s what I’m looking for. I think you need that type of player.”
Leslie’s playing career has taken in spells at Uxbridge, Leverstock Green and Ruislip Manor, as well as a brief stint at Northampton Town.
He was in charge of Rayners Lane Reserves between 2010 and 2012 as part of six years spent at Tithe Farm.
In addition to his coaching experience, Bradshaw insists Leslie will provide some continuity for those players remaining at the club after the departure of Gardner.
“There’s a few of the boys who are experienced now,” Bradshaw added.
“Paul and Ollie, Gavin Smith and Harry Henley have all played for Rayners Lane’s Saturday and Sunday sides for some years now and you throw some of the younger players in for a bit of balance. It’s a nice balance.”
Rayners Lane return to league action against Henley Town on Saturday.
