Struggling to fill numbers in side

Saturday’s FA Trophy tie gives Bath City the chance to name seven substitutes, but it’s unlikely all the bench space will be filled as Jerry Gill is once again sweating on the availability of some of his squad.

Donovan Wilson (suspended) and Joe Raynes (long-term injury) are out, and although he’s returned to training, Callum Evans is desperately short of match fitness having not played since 21 November.

With other players potentially absent due to self-isolating, Gill has tried to add to his squad but has been hindered by other clubs’ reluctance to negotiate, including lower league sides without matches at present.

“I’ve been on the phone constantly with lower league clubs and an EFL one,” said Gill. “I’ve been working on these for about two weeks.

“In the West Country teams are reluctant to let you have their players, which I find a bit frustrating.

“Obviously they want to keep their players but I’d never stop helping any progress. We’re hitting a few brick walls with local clubs.

Other National League South clubs have taken advantage of players desperate for game time, with Braintree Town signing five last week and Welling United further bolstering their squads ahead of January meetings with Gill’s men.

“It’s a very London-based league so it has been easier for other clubs to recruit,” said the City boss. “The catchment area is better, it seems like a bit of a free-for-all.

“There’s one deal I’m close to doing but probably not in time for this weekend. I’m trying to bring in a loan but I’d rather have more on permanent contracts.”

Ryan Clarke has recovered from an elbow injury to challenge Will Henry for the number one jersey, and Gill has extended the loans of Tom Mehew and Grant Horton.

Mehew’s is on a month-bymonth basis from Bristol Rovers while Horton will remain at Bath from Cheltenham until the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign.

Lucas Tomlinson has returned to Bristol Rovers after seven appearances for the Romans.