RICHARD Colwell has confirmed that Jordan Archer will be staying with Tividale after two clubs made official approaches for his services over the past seven days, as revealed on our @TiviFCofficial Twitter page at 07:00 this morning.

Archer has been subject of interest for a considerable length of time and Colwell is delighted the 21 year old has decided to remain with the Evo-Stik Northern League Division One South outfit.

“We are delighted at Jordan’s decision to remain at Tividale despite official approaches within the last week.

“One of those options would have given Jordan the chance to play a higher level.”

Manager Ian Long and Colwell have had a number of discussions with the forward whilst Archer considered his options.

“We spoke with Jordan after training yesterday and discussed the potential moves, outlined our plans for the future and he had no hesitation in telling us he was staying.

“He’s getting back to full fitness after suffering a broken foot and just wants to concentrate on scoring goals for Tividale.”

“It was great to see the lad complete 90 minutes last week, he got his goal and played a part in the other which will do him the world of good!

“Jordan is still working towards 100% match fitness but he understands the situation and continues to work extremely hard.”

Archer initially settled in well after joining the club in the summer and despite missing a large part of the season through injury, Colwell insists he showed at the start of the campaign that he’s capable of scoring goals at this level.

“Part of the reason Jordan wanted to stay is the closeness and team spirit we have here at Tividale.

“He was certainly enjoying his football before his injury and settled in to the group very quickly following his move from Tipton.

Colwell believes another positive to the decision is that Archer’s a popular member of ‘Dale’s dressing room.

“He’s a great lad, who’s earned respect from staff and players alike for his attitude, as well as his ability.

“It has been tough for him but he’s come and supported the lads, even on some of the longer journeys!

“The news he’s staying is a big boost for the players and management.”

Although Archer played and scored in the Walsall Senior Cup victory over Sutton Coldfield Town last week, Colwell is unsure whether he will be involved this coming Saturday against Gresley following a tough training session at Dudley Village last night.

But Tivi’s assistant manager is hoping the eleven day break the club have had due to the Goole postponement at the weekend may give the forward more chance of making the match day squad in some capacity.

“It’s too early to say if Jordan will be involved on Saturday.

“We trained hard last night so we’ll see how he recovers and how he’s feeling tomorrow night when we do some ball work.

“Either way, Jordan is fully aware how much he’s appreciated here and we want him back scoring goals as soon as possible.”