So the players have been on their holidays while i have been busy preparing for the new season. There have been a lot of ins and outs as i know the difference is massive as we're still a part time team and most of the clubs in the National League are professional these days. I called the following players and told them that unfortunately I will not be renewing their contracts:
Sheridan Martinez (GK), Zak Lilly (CB), Theo Streete (CB), Louie Swain (LB), Riccardo Calder (LB), Adam Walker (CM), Darryl Knights (CAM), James Wesolowski (CM), Andre Brown (ST) and Matthew Barnes-Homer (ST).
They all played their part in a great season but we need to try and improve on the areas i thought were weak. So see the screenshots below of the players I've brought in. I think i've added a bit more experience for this level and a good couple of youth players who can progress and stay with us for a while.
Matt Urwin will be our first choice goalkeeper this summer after Luyumbula went back to Birmingham. He's a solid keeper who played at this level last year. It's hard to find a good keeper with the poor scouting system we've got!
Ted Cann will be our backup keeper, he will only get better and he's still young.
Rene Steer will be our first choice left back this season. He also has experience at this level and looks very solid.
Joe West will be his backup and could potentially battle Steer for a starting spot as he has solid stats and is only 20 years old.
Oliver Denham joins on a free from Manchester United. He will probably be battling for a starting spot straight away, he's also only 18 so has plenty of time to improve and hopefully be with us up the leagues.
Alan Massey also has decent stats for the level and experience in this league. Denham and Massey are looking like my preferable back 2.
Olagunju is a backup who will be 4th choice after captain Shane Sutton. Decent youngster who could improve in the future, is only 18 and on a pay per play contract so it was a no brainer.
Josh Austerfield will be our backup attacking midfielder, signing on a free from Huddersfield. Good player who could improve.
Very excited about this one! Shashoua joins from Spurs on a free transfer, looks like a promising young player who will start straight away, rotating with Austerfield. Hope he can deliver as much as i expect him to.
Stenson joins on a free from Solihull after a successful loan spell with us last season. He will compete with Daniels on that left wing and can also play as a striker.
Stanley is a good young right winger from Manchester United who will be starting most games. I want to invest in a few young players and have a good core to the squad, excited to see him grow.
And finally, Lionel Ainsworth joins to compete with Stanley. Can play both sides and has experience, playing football league for most of his career.
I am very happy with the transfer business we've made this summer. We spent no money but i feel like we have a good squad with competition for places in every position. The board want me to just stay up this season but mid table would be what I'm personally aiming for.
I am happy with pre season with some decent results in there. Hopefully we can kick on and start the season positively. I'll update you again once i've completed the first 3 months.
COME ON YOU BUCKS!