‘We are pleased with all three signings to kick off our new 'incomings'. We have had to be patient since the season finished, in a vastly inflated market, we didn't want to rush into anything and have had to make sure we got the right people through the door who are the right fit for the club in terms of quality, value and character’.
‘In Ioan (Evans), we have a vastly experienced central defender who has played in the league above for the past 3/4 seasons and in the National League North prior to that. Not only that, but having just turned 27, we feel we also have a player in his prime years for the position that he plays. A natural ball winner, he is an old school centre half who loves to defend. He was somebody who was at the very top of my hit list and I first contacted him only 2 days after our season had finished’.
‘I wanted to be the first to express my interest and explain what we want to do with the club and squad moving forwards. The interest was mutual and after his 2-week holiday we met at the club and got things sorted. He is not only a top-drawer defender, but he will also bring leadership which we lacked a bit towards the end of last season. To top it off, a lovely man off the pitch and he'll certainly be an asset to the club.’
‘Jack (Thatcher) is another we are pleased with. We wanted him during the second half of last season, but we held off until the summer out of respect for his club and to allow Jack to finish what he started there. He scored 39 goals in 44 games and leading Dunkirk into the playoff semi finals, where he also scored 2 goals, is impressive. He's a young lad who clearly knows where the net is and is a natural finisher.’
‘As management, myself and Matt are always looking for young and hungry players from lower down the pyramid who we think are ready for the step up and Jack fits the bill. He will need time to adjust to the tempo and physicality of this league, but with the right attitude, mentality, and a strong pre-season, we are excited for him to show what he can do.’
‘In Larell (King), we have another excellent addition. At 23, he is an athletic and attacking right back who is also a very good 1v1 defender with a lot of pace and energy. Having come through the ranks at Mansfield academy, we have then followed his progress at Long Eaton and also at Ilkeston at step 3 last season where he established himself as their first choice right back’.
‘We feel we've got another player at a good age who still has plenty of time to improve. He is a humble and hardworking lad and on top of his footballing abilities, has an enormous throw which can also be used as a weapon.’
‘It was refreshing that in conversations with all three players, not one of them haggled for a penny more than they were offered and are coming in for the right reasons. We look forward to working with the three of them and welcome them to the club.’
‘We are working hard on further signings and a couple more potential retentions from last season as things start to fall into place. We are hoping to have a few more ready to announce in the next week or so.’