SteveW
23rd-May-2007, 13:50
I had a call from Phil Starbuck today as he wants to keep supporters informed throughout the summer as to how the squad is shaping up for next season. Obviously when signings are confirmed and the ink is dry then Rod will post them on the front page but here is a taste of what is going on at the moment that Phil has given the okay for me to release.
As you know, Dave MacPherson has already signed from Leek Town. This is a player that Phil tried to sign last season but was under contract and a number of clubs were after him including Witton Albion. Dave is a midfield player that scores goals, in fact he was "bitterly disappointed" at scoring just 9 goals from midfield last season playing in a Leek team that barely avoided relegation. Somebody remind me how many our strikers managed?
Also from Leek Town, Phil has offered a deal to Alan Nagington who scored twice against us last season. Other clubs are after the player including Witton again and we hope to have an answer in a few days.
On the striking front Phil is talking to Eastwood Towns goalscoring machine and club captain Peter Knox. Peter scored 40 goals last season to help the Badgers secure promotion and has averaged 30 goals a season for the past 3 seasons. It's almost a done deal... Phil has met the player, agreed terms and hopes to have him signed in the next 24 hours.
Other signings in the frame include Liam Hebberd, from Gresley Rovers. Phil likes this player and tried to sign him last season when he was at Sutton Coldfield but they wanted £3,000 for him so he decided to wait until the summer. He can play right wing, central midfield or up front and Phil descibes him as "strong and fit". There could also be a return to Keys Park for Mark Briggs as Phil will be taking a look at him in pre-season.
On the goalkeeping front there is a deal done in principle. The player is happy to come to Keys Park but there are some minor details to sort out with his current club so I'm afraid the name will have to stay under wraps for a week or so. I can tell you it's a quality signing though and assuming there are no last minute hitches I don't think we'll need to worry in that department.
Regarding the current sqaud, we're waiting on Iain Screaton and Phil Hadland to confirm for next season. Phil (Hadland) lives in Warrington and is starting a degree to become a P.E. teacher so is concerned about the travelling and may look for a club more local. Phil (Starbuck) is meeting Chalky tonight as John Ramshaw has offered him the Assistant Manager job at Lincoln. Should he decide to stay with us he will NOT be offered the Assistant Manager position here but will be offered a coaching role at the club.
As Rod mentioned, Jamie March has a ruptured cruciate ligament and is going to be out for at least another 6 months. These are difficult times for Jamie and Phil has vowed that he will keep him involved at the club and will do all he can to get him back to fitness and just generally help him through this.
Better news is that Luke Farmer has come through his surgery and will do a pre-season with Reece Styche, Craig Edwards, Greg Dickinson, Keenan Meakin-Richards and some other youth team lads. Some of this seasons youth team may be sent out on season long loans to other clubs so that Phil can track their development but we still hold their registrations rather than just letting them go entirely.
Finally, Phil said to me that he was excited about next season with the squad now starting to take shape. He was looking to build on the foundations that were laid last season and was trying to build a team that could "play football".
That's all the news I have at the moment but I will try and keep posting similar through the summer to keep everyone updated.
Thanks
As you know, Dave MacPherson has already signed from Leek Town. This is a player that Phil tried to sign last season but was under contract and a number of clubs were after him including Witton Albion. Dave is a midfield player that scores goals, in fact he was "bitterly disappointed" at scoring just 9 goals from midfield last season playing in a Leek team that barely avoided relegation. Somebody remind me how many our strikers managed?
Also from Leek Town, Phil has offered a deal to Alan Nagington who scored twice against us last season. Other clubs are after the player including Witton again and we hope to have an answer in a few days.
On the striking front Phil is talking to Eastwood Towns goalscoring machine and club captain Peter Knox. Peter scored 40 goals last season to help the Badgers secure promotion and has averaged 30 goals a season for the past 3 seasons. It's almost a done deal... Phil has met the player, agreed terms and hopes to have him signed in the next 24 hours.
Other signings in the frame include Liam Hebberd, from Gresley Rovers. Phil likes this player and tried to sign him last season when he was at Sutton Coldfield but they wanted £3,000 for him so he decided to wait until the summer. He can play right wing, central midfield or up front and Phil descibes him as "strong and fit". There could also be a return to Keys Park for Mark Briggs as Phil will be taking a look at him in pre-season.
On the goalkeeping front there is a deal done in principle. The player is happy to come to Keys Park but there are some minor details to sort out with his current club so I'm afraid the name will have to stay under wraps for a week or so. I can tell you it's a quality signing though and assuming there are no last minute hitches I don't think we'll need to worry in that department.
Regarding the current sqaud, we're waiting on Iain Screaton and Phil Hadland to confirm for next season. Phil (Hadland) lives in Warrington and is starting a degree to become a P.E. teacher so is concerned about the travelling and may look for a club more local. Phil (Starbuck) is meeting Chalky tonight as John Ramshaw has offered him the Assistant Manager job at Lincoln. Should he decide to stay with us he will NOT be offered the Assistant Manager position here but will be offered a coaching role at the club.
As Rod mentioned, Jamie March has a ruptured cruciate ligament and is going to be out for at least another 6 months. These are difficult times for Jamie and Phil has vowed that he will keep him involved at the club and will do all he can to get him back to fitness and just generally help him through this.
Better news is that Luke Farmer has come through his surgery and will do a pre-season with Reece Styche, Craig Edwards, Greg Dickinson, Keenan Meakin-Richards and some other youth team lads. Some of this seasons youth team may be sent out on season long loans to other clubs so that Phil can track their development but we still hold their registrations rather than just letting them go entirely.
Finally, Phil said to me that he was excited about next season with the squad now starting to take shape. He was looking to build on the foundations that were laid last season and was trying to build a team that could "play football".
That's all the news I have at the moment but I will try and keep posting similar through the summer to keep everyone updated.
Thanks