Manager on his squad
Manager Greg Abbott today spoke more about his thoughts on reshaping the squad as he enjoys a summer break with his family.
“The work doesn’t stop even though we do try to get some time away with our families,” he said.
“We’re working hard with phone calls going back and forward with players and agents, because we want to be in a position to move things on as soon as we get to that stage with any of the players we’re after.”
“Top of the list at the moment is a number nine, if Lee [Miller] doesn’t sign, a creative right-sided player and someone who can perform the link role between midfield and attack,” he explained.
“With Lee, we’re in a position where both parties have been away and linking up hasn’t been possible, at this moment in time. It’s one we do want to resolve and we’ll seek to do that as quickly as we possibly can.”
“We're also looking for a goalkeeper as back up for Mark [Gillespie] but that one will probably happen during pre-season,” he added. “We do have a verbal agreement with a player but we need to wait until he's back at his club before we can do anything.
“I think with Matt [Robson], Paul [Thirlwell], Danny [Livesey] and Sean [O'Hanlon] all agreeing new contracts it gives us a really good core of experienced players. They'll be able to help the young lads along and also help the new signings to settle in. It's key for us to have players like that when we're going to have a younger squad.”
And on recent reports linking the club to Gateshead winger Josh Gillies, he said: “Josh is a player we know about and he is one of a number we would talk to if we were in a position to take things further.
“He’s fast, creative and has an eye for goal, and he’s one of those players from that level who could be worth a calculated gamble.
“Like I say, we talk to a large number of players and their representatives all year round and rumours and speculation are a big part of the fun associated with the game through these summer months. As ever, once something is set in stone we will make sure everyone gets to know about it as quickly as possible.”
United Player subscribers can see a video interview with Greg Abbott later now. Click HERE to go to the Player platform. Follow the same link for more information on United Player, and to subscribe.
