Adams says Town are doing everything in their power to keep Stephens

STRATFORD Town manager Carl Adams has said he will do everything within his power to keep Ben Stephens at the MoodChimp Stadium.

Local rivals Banbury United have made a seven-day approach for the 20-year-old, but Town are desperate hold on to a player who has scored 17 times in 31 starts this season.

Adams believes Stratford’s style of football is better suited to Stephens and he has urged the forward to avoid making what he sees as a “sideways move”.

“I feel this would be the wrong move for him,” said Adams.

“The kid is enjoying his football here and as a club we’re as good as Banbury.

“Going there would be very much a sideways move. If he keeps doing what he’s doing at the moment, he could have the chance to jump up a league sooner rather than later.

“I guess it all depends on what Banbury come up with, but I don’t see him going unless they offer him an unbelievable deal.”

Stephens joined Stratford from Kettering Town in November 2016.