Possible Clues:

• Assistant in a small company, reportedly not a heavyweight
• A firm acquiring what we hear is idle trainee
• Supporter demanding a pass, yet converted
• Not what Cagney was to Lacey anyhow
• Novice could be "colt", yea?
• How a firm does not carry much weight, by the sound of it, in attendance
• Attendant
• Adherent or priest's assistant
• Lace toy (anag.)
• Yet, coal may be some help for the church