Former Portsmouth triallist recruited alongside West Brom man to give Hawks a liftÂ

Lee Bradbury feels his new recruits Will Wood and Alex Bradley can help propel the Hawks up the Vanarama National League table. Â
Will Wood on his Hawks debut. Picture: Ian HargreavesWill Wood on his Hawks debut. Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Will Wood on his Hawks debut. Picture: Ian Hargreaves

Both additions have joined on loan from Football League clubs.

Former Southampton defender Will Wood, from Accrington Stanley, had a trial with Pompey at the start of the year.

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Midfielder Alex Bradley, from West Bromwich Albion, is another with good pedigree.

Former Southampton player Will Wood, who had a trial with Pompey, has joined the Hawks on loan. Picture: PAFormer Southampton player Will Wood, who had a trial with Pompey, has joined the Hawks on loan. Picture: PA
Former Southampton player Will Wood, who had a trial with Pompey, has joined the Hawks on loan. Picture: PA

They each made their debuts on Saturday against Gateshead.

Wood went off injured in the second half but the Hawks are hoping it won't keep him out for a spell.

Boss Bradbury is very pleased to have signed to the duo.

He said: '˜Will Wood is a left-sided defender who can get crosses into the box for our two strikers.

'˜He has good energy and allows us to keep the balance in our side.

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'˜With Rory Williams out injured we needed someone to replace him.

'˜Alex Bradley is an exciting young midfielder.

'˜He scored the winning goal for Albion against Blackpool in the Premier League Cup last week.

'˜We have been missing the energy of Wes Fogden and he can give this to us.

'˜He is an exciting young prospect.

'˜Now we are in the National League it means the top clubs are more willing to loan players out to us.'

Bradbury realises something needs to be done.

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He is fed up of seeing his side come away empty handed from games after putting in creditable performances.

The margins have been small but he is looking for that something extra to get his side across the line in games.

Injuries to key players like Wes Fogden, Mike Carter and Paul Robinson have not helped the situation.

Bradbury is hoping the introduction of fresh blood can help them get clear of the relegation positions.

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Wood signed a one-year deal with Stanley during the summer after being released by Premier League Southampton.

He came through the ranks at St Mary's playing for their Under-21 side while still qualified for the under 18 side.

Bradley came through the youth ranks at West Bromwich Albion and in 2017 made his debut for their Under-23 side in the Checkatrade Trophy at Luton Town.

He scored his first goal in the 2-1 win against Norwich City the following year.

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Last season he was a regular starter in their Premier League 2, Premier League Cup and Checkatrade Trophy team.

The Hawks start their Emirates FA Cup campaign on Saturday with a visit to Southern League Metropolitan Police at Imber Court.

It is the first time the Hawks have come into the competition at this stage.

Bradbury regards the draw as a good opportunity to reach the first round proper.

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Though the game is away from home it is against a side playing two levels below them.

It is a big game for both clubs looking ahead to the next round when the likes of Pompey, Sunderland, Charlton Athletic, Blackpool and Coventry City go into the hat.