Gray looking to bolster squad (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Gray looking to bolster squad

9:00am Friday 5th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

BASINGSTOKE Town manager Frank Gray is hoping to make his second summer signing next week – and he has his eye on a utility player.

Just six players have so far signed contracts to play at the Camrose next season, with striker David Pratt the only new addition, but Gray is refusing to panic.

“We are in contact with a few players but there are a lot out there so we are in no great rush,” he said. “Talks are ongoing at the moment and we might be in a position to announce a signing next week.”

Having lost Sido Jombarti, who was capable of operating in a number of different positions, Gray is looking for another versatile player.

“We are looking at a few positions but that could be one player,” he said. “We need people who can play in more than one position.”

The Football Association, in conjunction with the Football Conference, have announced which teams will play in the Blue Square South next season.

With three teams, Lewes, Weymouth and Woking, coming down from the Blue Square Premier, the division looks to be a strong one. This is something that Gray expected and the Town manager also thinks that Dover Athletic, who have been promoted from the Ryman League along with Staines Town, will be a threat.

“I expected it to be a strong league anyway, regardless of who came into the division,” he said. “I expect Dover to be just as strong as the teams coming down so it will be as tough as it was last season.”

The league fixture list will be released on July 3 and the season will get under way on August 8.

Before the serious competition begins, Gray is hoping to secure lucrative pre-season games with Football League clubs.

Town have just one game, a trip to Ryman League division one outfit Godalming Town, fixed up at the moment – but Gray is working hard to line up some high profile matches.

“We have a lot of options and are in talks with clubs at a higher level – league clubs,” he said. “Some have said they will play us but have other things on their minds at the moment so we just have to stay patient.

“It’s nice for the fans to see good teams and the money from high profile games is a big advantage.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)