MANAGER Julian Workman hailed his Redditch Borough squad after gaining verbal assurances from all but two players ahead of the new campaign.
Borough made waves in their first season in Midland Football League Division Two, finishing with a flourish to go within a whisker of successive promotions.
That success has resulted in inevitable interest from higher levels, but the bulk of Workman’s charges are ready to commit to the cause for 2017/18.
“The lads have been a delight to deal with because with success comes the prospect of losing players, it is the same everywhere,” said Workman.
“For so many of the players to nail their colours to the mast straight away, irrespective of what might come up over the summer, says a lot about the togetherness at this club.”
Attacker Billy Garvey, a target for Bromsgrove Sporting last season, joins captain Jamie Hatfield, linchpin defender Garrath Hodgetts and powerhouse Liam Fullerton in agreeing to stay on.
Courtney Sowe, Craig Malins, Steve Joynes, Rob Bruce, Jak Albutt, AJ Adelekan, Ollie Saunders, Luke Bowles and Dean Hay complete the list of confirmations, with Workman hoping to retain two more despite them having the lure of climbing the ladder.
The boss reports full back Luke English is set to trial with Midland League Premier Division champions Alvechurch ahead of their Northern Premier League bow, whilst goalkeeper Ryan Young is said to be the subject of renewed interest from Bishops Cleeve in the Southern League as well as Worcester City and Studley.
Workman also revealed plans to bolster his options, with three unnamed trialists with experience of Borough’s level, including a centre back, set to join pre-season training.
“I am happy with the squad but you can never rest on your laurels,” said Workman. “We are keen to maintain a competitive edge with no-one feeling like they’re guaranteed a start.
“The achievements were great last season and I have every faith the lads can build on them but we always want to improve.”
On the possibility of exits, Workman said: “We are very flattered that teams far ahead of us are looking at the lads we have developed at Redditch Borough.
“That in itself is a huge compliment to all of the players and their progress, as well as the coaching staff and the club as a whole.
“There will be things for some of the lads to consider. It is not just the status that comes with moving up the ladder, but the potential for financial rewards too.
“Our stance has always been the same and in this summer, more than any other, I think it is important for us to stick to it.
“We will always try to persuade players to stay but will never stand in their way and, provided those that do end up moving on do so in the right way, the door will always be open to them.”
