Manager with an update on potential targets
We spoke to manager Graham Kavanagh about his pursuit of a new signing as the preparations for the new season continue."I would have liked us to have a couple more players in but we are where we would like to be at this stage in terms of fitness," he said. "I've had a knock back from a player today, but that happens, and we'll move on to our other targets now.
"The player who has said no is the one I spoke about on Tuesday night. We offered what I thought was a good deal and we gave him a deadline of yesterday. Obviously I've been given a final answer today.
"He felt the distance was too far to travel and, if I'm being honest, I was getting that sort of vibe. We were only communicating through his agent and he wasn't getting back to us.
"I'm glad I know that now rather than signing him and have him tell me his heart and soul weren't in it in a couple of weeks time. I've said all along that the people who come into the group need to be better than what we have.
"I'm glad I know that now rather than signing him and have him tell me his heart and soul weren't in it in a couple of weeks time. I've said all along that the people who come into the group need to be better than what we have.
"They also need to add a dimension to the club we don't currently have. That was probably the case physically and technically with this one but, if it isn't there mentally as well, then it simply isn't worth doing."
"Location is always going to be a factor for players coming here," he told us. "We are a long way away from the majority of other teams which means there is a lot of travelling.
"Location is always going to be a factor for players coming here," he told us. "We are a long way away from the majority of other teams which means there is a lot of travelling.
"That's something you get used to because this is a great part of the country and it's a very passionate area which loves it's football. It's a very good football club which is now pushing in the right direction. That's how I've been selling it and that's how I will continue to talk about this club to players.
"I've said all along that I would be happy with the group we have if we started the season right now," he said. "What we have to think about is that we've picked up one or two little knocks, as you expect, so I feel we need two or three players as cover.
"We want to create an atmosphere where we have people challenging for the starting 11 and even have people challenging for the bench when everyone is fit. We've got a competitive environment and everybody is looking to play and start games. Every player will have to play their part to make sure we're successful this season and that's why it's vitally important for any new signings to have the right mindset and attitude from the moment they arrive at the club."
"I've said all along that I would be happy with the group we have if we started the season right now," he said. "What we have to think about is that we've picked up one or two little knocks, as you expect, so I feel we need two or three players as cover.
"We want to create an atmosphere where we have people challenging for the starting 11 and even have people challenging for the bench when everyone is fit. We've got a competitive environment and everybody is looking to play and start games. Every player will have to play their part to make sure we're successful this season and that's why it's vitally important for any new signings to have the right mindset and attitude from the moment they arrive at the club."
