PAUL SMITH: An Update From The Manager

Manager Paul Smith has provided the following update regarding the latest at the club…

“I’m happy with where we are right now. It’s important to realise that forms can’t be signed until the 1st of July, so those that have agreed terms have done just that. 

“With a club like ours, and its large fan base, I felt it was important that we reached out to the fans with those that have agreed terms, to hopefully continue to build the positivity that is engulfing the club at the moment. 

“Don’t get me wrong – we do run the risk of those players doing a U-turn, as I’ve seen numerous times already in our division in the last week or so. However, I feel it’s a risk worth taking this time around. 

“We are, and will continue to become, an attractive proposition. 

“The players I’ve brought in so far excite me. They are a mix of experienced Step Three players, along with players from levels below that have done brilliantly that are desperate to prove themselves at this level.

“I’m still working extremely hard to sign more players, and I hope to be able to announce more soon. What’s important is that we attract the right kind of player; this is a big club, and those that come through the door have to understand that. They need to realise that the project is more important than the pound. 

“I’m excited with our recruitment so far. 

“It’s important at this stage to also say that I’m delighted with the players that we have retained. I said when I took over that there was a nucleus of very good players here and I’m delighted with the ones we have retained. 

“I’m amazed with the season ticket sales already – I’m told we are breaking recent records every day. The board and I are doing all we can to put a squad together that you will enjoy watching. 

“It won’t be long before the friendlies start, and I hope you are all as excited as I am to see this new look squad begin its journey.”