25/26 Squad

[Tony]

We are very light on defenders, just four signed up so far. No doubt we’ll be looking at trialists but the squad is currently looking a little inexperienced.

[BevereeMaster]

Jude Mason is apparently our new singing later on today.

[Lord Elpus]

I've said this elsewhere this week but at least half (probably more) of the clubs in the division this year are going to have massive budgets, significantly more than we will probably ever manage, even in a season where we might decide to really try and splash the cash in an effort to go up. However, only 7 clubs can finish in the places that matter at the end of the season, therefore this isn't the year to really spend big as so many clubs will still have more to spend. Just staying clear of the relegation zone might be enough of an achievement given the budgets elsewhere this season. Ambtious? No. Realistic, pragmatic and sustainable? Yep.

[BevereeMaster]

I agree, would be silly to go big on the playing budget anytime soon, try find hidden gems who can be moved on for good money in the future.

I do miss the away days in the league below, so I won’t complain too much if we go down…

[Tony]

Jude Mason is apparently our new singing later on today.

Certainly looks like him. Been at step 3/4 for a few seasons.

[Josh2002]

Confirmed as Jude Mason.

[Tony]

Hope he can do well for us but recent track record doesn’t suggest he’s been banging on the door of NLS.

[DanielNotley]

I hope we can sign Slav Huk as I think he is the most successful goalkeeper in non league and is a free agent now....

[BevereeMaster]

Just signed a permanent GK so doubt it

[Lord Elpus]

I agree, would be silly to go big on the playing budget anytime soon, try find hidden gems who can be moved on for good money in the future.

I do miss the away days in the league below, so I won’t complain too much if we go down…

In all honesty I'm starting to wonder about that too. Even making an attempt to compete on a level playing field with the likes of Torquay, Dagenham etc is just financially mad for a club like us. I'd much rather see us playing the likes of Walton and Kingstonian etc in 10 years time than be extinct or having been taken over by idiots again.

[Tony]

I agree, the way things are going is financial madness. There is not enough "prize money" for so many teams to justify the investment. No wonder the NL is pushing for a third promotion place in order to join a league in which they will have to spend even more. However, a couple of observations. Firstly, if we have a repeat of the back end of last season then supporters will not only be unhappy but will stop coming. Sport has to be a contest. Secondly, big money is already infecting the next steps down, so we'll probably not escape the same conditions for long even if we were relegated. Lastly, I am very doubtful that the supply of better footballers has suddenly increased just that some are able to earn a bit more by moving to full-time or 3 days per week training.There still must be a large pool of players who can't fit into that model for us to recruit from.

[BeaverWatcher]

The other issue with any drop in division is that we would, likely, be placed in the Southern League Premier South.

With trips to Plymouth, Taunton, Tiverton along with Dorchester and Weymouth there wouldn't be a great deal of difference in travelling from Step 2. For the fans some great away days but for the club similar challenges on player recruitment due to travelling and lower crowds with less away following.