BEN MILLS has fallen off course in recent years, but Ivan Lodge is hoping he can put the striker back on track after bringing him to Newcastle Town.
Mills played in the Football League with Macclesfield and has plenty of Non-League experience at clubs such as Chester and Alfreton Town.
But the 25-year-old has struggled in recent times, making just 19 appearances for Brackley Town last season.
Lodge has now brought the forward down to the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South and, after finishing eighth last year, he wants Mills to fire them up the table.
Lodge told The NLP: “The summer is going well for us. We’ve signed Ben who has a lot of Non-League experience and is a big strong forward who we can work off.
“He is different to everything else we’ve got and puts himself about a bit. I like having pace in my side and I’ve got quick wingers who can, hopefully, get the ball in to him. It’s definitely a step in the right direction.”
Midfielder Andy Nicholls has returned to Newcastle following a year break and Lodge is content with how his squad is shaping up.
He added: “Our budget means we have got a small squad but I’ve got to make it a quality squad. We had a mixed year last year and it would be great to get higher up the league.
“In terms of signing players, it’s not easy. Players get released and work their way down. But you find that as the season gets closer, players start coming to you because they haven’t got a club.
