John Maggs has responded to suggestions that he has failed to produce a squad big enough to challenge for promotion next season, stating that his squad is about 'quality, not quantity'. A reduced budget led many to fear the break up of the side as players looked elsewhere for improved terms but Maggs has worked wonders during the past few weeks, securing the signature of most of last season's squad as well as adding the exciting talents of Ben Andrews and Pat Harding. But the manager has publicly admitted that he will need to raise extra funds if there are to be any further additions to the playing staff.

"Everyone knows that my budget was slashed for next season," he explained, "so it was always going to be a difficult task to keep the side together and I'm obviously delighted that most of the boys have chosen to do so. I'm sure the fans will be excited at the two new signings, and I feel that we have a group of players that will do well for us. I know that some supporters are saying that the squad is too small but I'm obviously restricted by the money I have available to me. Yes, I could have put together about 18-20 players but I'm telling you now, you wouldn't have the quality we've got here at the moment. We've got some class acts in the side, backed up by some very promising youngsters.

I've said before that I'm on the button with the budget which, incidentally, includes provisions for Yinka or Williams if either of them decide to stay at the club, so I won't have to release anyone if, say, we get knocked out of the FA Cup in the early rounds. That doesn't mean, of course, that I won't get rid of players who I think aren't up to it  but I would certainly like to get a couple more players in if we can find ways of getting in some extra cash first."

The board is currently putting together a number of initiatives aimed at increasing revenue and plan to make an announcement on how supporters and local business can help play their part.

Friday 5th June 2009