We’re kitted out for an explosive start to season
THE ALAN HARDY COLUMN
HAVING completed the bulk of our transfer business by the start of June, we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to try to add that extra bit of magic to the squad.
After signing the two centre forwards on our hit-list in Kane Hemmings and Kristian Dennis, I don’t think it’s been a secret that we have been looking for a wide player capable of producing something special.
I believe we laid down a marker about our intent this season with the arrival of the two strikers but, as I’ve always said, they will thrive even more with having quality service.
A winger has been our priority and with Michael O’connor having left the club to join Lincoln City, we would also like a central midfielder with experience.
The manager believes that an older head, who has had a wonderful career, will help the younger players flourish - which is important given we have some exciting talent within the squad.
We have been besieged with calls from agents about taking their players but, because we have done such good business so far, we can take our time and assess whether they are the right fit.
And over the last week or two we have been talking to several players about our ambitions here at Meadow Lane and what we want to achieve.
We have expressed to them how we would like them to come and join our journey, and the negotiations have gone extremely well.
As anybody in football will tell you, no signing is ever guaranteed until they have put pen to paper, but it is looking very promising at this moment in time.
And if we were to get the players we have been talking to, I have no doubt they would sprinkle a considerable helping of gelignite on the squad. I think players can see that we are a club with ambition, intent and desire to go places which has been proven by the signings we have made so far.
It’s important that you send out a strong message in that respect and I certainly do believe that it influences players when they come to make a decision on their futures.
Our dreams and aspirations have been reflected in our dealings so far and we are by no means finished.
I have to say, even though it is only June, I am getting incredibly excited for the first game of the season especially now the players have reported back for pre-season training.
As I write, the manager Kevin Nolan will have been putting the players through their paces before our pre-season campaign finally gets under way next week against Rolls Royce Leisure.
It will be the first glimpse of our new-look team in a friendly that I think only helps strengthen our relations with other clubs in Nottingham’s community.
The new first-team kit will also be on show following its release last night and I am convinced the fans will absolutely love it.
I could not be happier with how we are shaping up ahead of the big kick-off at home to Colchester. I just wish it was only around the corner!