Boss plays the waiting game
All but two players axed but no hurry with transfers
HAYES & Yeading manager Mickey Lewis is playing the waiting game in the transfer market.
Lloyd Macklin was signed from Basingstoke soon after his appointment as manager but an influx of new faces is yet to descend on Beaconsfield Road.
Most of last year’s squad, who were relegated from the Conference South, have already been shipped out after a disastrous campaign under axed boss Garry Haylock.
He held a lengthy meeting with chairman Tony O’Driscoll and assistant manager Tristan Lewis shortly after he took charge of the club last month to discuss targets.
Those discussions were positive but the new Hayes & Yeading manager says he will have to wait on answers from players who are still looking around for a club for next term.
He said: “It was a very positive meeting with Tony and Tristan. I had a lot of support from both of those guys and we’re constantly on the phone to each other anyway.
“We’ve spoken to a lot of players. You can’t really commit people just yet but we’ve had a lot of interest.
“People have looked at the facil- ities and been quite impressed so we’re happy with the work we’ve done so far.
“Players are always looking around at this time of year but we’ve had some interesting conversations. Lloyd has committed himself already so that’s good.
“In an ideal world we’d like to have the squad sorted early and everyone under contract but that doesn’t really work at this level and that’s just the way it is.
“We’re a good club and the ground is coming along well, so hopefully that leaves us in good stead with regards to recruitment.”
Meanwhile, Hayes & Yeading have announced their season ticket prices for next season ahead of their expected return to the borough.
A club statement read: “With the club on the verge of a return home, and in appreciation of the fact that five long seasons away from our traditional home have taken its toll in our supporters travelling long distances just to see us play at home, the board have decided to reduce all adult and concession prices for the coming season in the Evo-Stick Southern League Premier Division.”
Adult season tickets are priced at £99, representing just over £4 a game, with concession holders paying just over £2 a game.
Season Ticket holders also have free admission to any home preseason friendlies and U18s league games.