BICKERSTAFF - "NO CAUSE FOR PANIC"
RHYL head coach Allan Bickerstaff has assured supporters there is no need to panic despite the departures of two key players in the past week.
Bickerstaff has also revealed he is talking to a Football League player and two Welsh Premier operators with a view to strengthening his title-winning squad.
Winger Craig Jones has opted to go full-time by signing for Welsh Premier League rivals The New Saints, while striker Jamie Reed is off to America to try to gain a place with a team in Major League Soccer.
Lilywhites followers have expressed anxiety over further potential losses and the possible break-up of the squad, but Bickerstaff has urged fans not to worry.
"Lee Kendall, Neil Roberts, George Horan and Gareth Owen are all on contracts, Greg Stones has signed and Greg Strong is due to sign today (Tuesday)," said Bickerstaff.
"I'm also due to have talks with Matty Williams, who seems happy to stay, while Mark Connolly and Chris Roberts are on holiday, but have indicated they will be happy to stay on."
Bickerstaff is also eyeing up three new signings, two who operate in the Welsh Premier League and a Football League player.
"We should have some news within the next 48 hours," added the coach.
Bickerstaff also said a meeting to discuss the future with club president Peter Parry, managing director Dave Milner and director of football Jamie Digwood last week had been "very productive".
Although the size of the squad will be reduced, the head coach said rumoured budget slashing was untrue.
"Due to the current economic climate, which is affecting the whole world, the club is cutting its cloth accordingly, but we are still receiving a very generous budget and are extremely grateful to Peter Parry for what he is doing.
"There was a lot of money (players) sitting in the stand last season which isn't viable in the current climate, so the squad will be cut slightly which means we may have to develop one or two youngsters we have at the club or possibly bring in a couple of young lads released by Football League clubs.
"But we are determined to strengthen the squad and win the title again."
On Reed and Jones' departures, Bickerstaff added: "They've been fantastic for me but both wanted to try their luck elsewhere so good luck to them."
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Good posting Dave.
Whereas some of the recent rumours and comments have been very unhelpful I can fully understand that it is only natural that all followers of Rhyl FC just wanted some idea of what was happening and what was likely to happen with the current squad and new players etc.
This posting should have done more than enough re assure people about the club's plans and intentions for next season. We must now allow time for the powers that be to do as they see fit in assembling a quality squad for Europe and for next season.
Diolch Dave.
I appreciate that comments can't be made while negotiations are continuing. Retrospective explanations are though possible. Well understood that Reedy fancied going to the USA - they'll probably refuse him entry anyway !!
One might have expected more than a single phrase though about losing Craig to our chief rival. If it is explained that there was a full discussion during which Craig explained that the offer of 2-year full-time contract was more attractive than taking his chance in the Rhyl formation, then fair enough. It has been suggested elsewhere that the club did not hold a discussion with a player of as key importance as Craig - neityher at the end of the season nor on the expiry of his contract. A couple of sentences of explanation would dispel such rumours.
Potential Football League-signing sounds promising. Not so sure about WPL targets - could be someone around the standard of Sion Edwards in place of Craig, which would not be an improvement.
Anyway, not for us to second-guess the boss in advance, but retrospective explanations would be good. Reducing the squad from 18 to maybe 16 is a good move all round - cuts costs, annoys less players, gives reserves some prospects. Good move.
Very interesting comments, I agree with Ioio, difficult to imagine on the evidence of what I saw last season any WPL players enhancing this current squad. Replacing young Craig I feel will be a major task for AB, what news of my little friend Josh (Mr Inconsistant) Johnson, Gareth (were's my testamonial) Wilson and Carl (The Invisible Man)Owen?
Great to see some communication from the club at last.