Manager searches for ideal profile
Neal Ardley said that bringing in another centre-back is now a priority, but he is prepared to be patient in his search for defensive reinforcements.
With five new signings added this summer, including experienced defender Karleigh Osborne, Neal is close to putting together his squad for 2015/16.
However, Neal spoke highly about Will Nightingale emerging as a potential first-team regular next season and that means any new recruit has to fit a certain profile.
“We know where we have fallen short in the past,” said Neal. “We want a dominant figure if we can get one. We want someone who is a number one marker, powerful and good in the air. It is very difficult though because everyone wants those players. In Will Nightingale we have a fantastic young player who is ready to start games, but we would perhaps only be one injury away from being a bit light and having to chuck someone in who may not be ready.
“There is a balance to be struck. Players that you work hard to sign will want to come and play and we have to get the balance right. We have to make sure that the player we bring in is the right person. Whether we can get him before the trip to La Manga is a different kettle of fish. But I don’t think needing one player before we go is going to be a massive problem. When we signed Michael Smith that was just three days before the season started and you can certainly get them bedded in.”