Hello everyone, firstly a thanks for welcoming myself and Carl Dickinson to the Club. Our first month here has been quite busy and we feel it’s a good time to update supporters on our off-season progress so far.
Our pre-season planning has been extensive and we are yet to confirm every aspect of the programme. Pre-season training can be make or break in the first two weeks of contact with the players, so we want to get it right, we want the players to be at the most optimal point they can be after those initial two weeks.
We have a fantastic facility at Maiden Castle, in particular the fitness and conditioning suites, and we must maximise this usage to the best of our ability. Carl and I believe we are close to finalising a really productive, tough and character building first two weeks which will set the tone for standards, behaviours, work ethic and professionalism for the next 10 months.
The timing of the Euros has meant that all teams at our level have an elongated summer break, and with that we have an unusually long period for summer recruitment.
We’ve effectively profiled and interacted with our targeted players who match our style of play and who we believe have the potential to significantly enhance the team. To make sure we obtain the correct players, we now need to exercise patience. Right now, there’s not much going on in the industry as a whole, but things will pick up in the upcoming month.
Our player profiles are quite straightforward and to the point: we’re searching for a unique kind of athlete, a unique persona that the fans can identify with. It’s difficult to spot players who give their all to winning in first meetings, but they’re an essential component of the team we’re attempting to develop.
In addition, Joe Monks, Ronnie Moore, and I want to make the most of the region’s strengths by hiring as many people as we can from the Northeast. If a sizable portion of the team’s players have local ties, I believe that would make the team truly unique. Although it won’t always be feasible, it’s undoubtedly something we’re considering.
I understand how crucial this time is, therefore in order to maximize the Club’s potential, we must proceed slowly and patiently. Along with meetings and player and agent introductions, Joe and I communicate on a daily basis. This process will continue all season long.Naturally, I’m eager to collaborate with the players who have remained. It felt so good to have Nicky and David Ferguson restrained.
Now that I’ve spoken or met every player, I really loved our initial conversations. But in the face of exhaustion and misfortune, everyone’s true character will be put to the test, and then the true people come to light.
Dan Dodds appears to be well-positioned to make a comeback. The staff’s positive comments about his dedication have impressed me, and I have personally witnessed the amount of work he is putting in.
The real labor, which will be difficult, begins in late June. The players are being told that they need to be back in a situation where they can work extremely hard and that their bodies need to be prepared for a demanding program. This team needs to be resilient both physically and mentally. Everyone needs to make a commitment right now to
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