A Father's Day message from the manager.
We caught up with the Gaffer on Father's Day morning for an update on what’s going on behind the scenes on the player recruitment side at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
The Manager gave huge praise to Chairman Paul Scally as they have both worked throughout the summer to ensure the club is competitive in what will be a very strong League 1 in 2021/22.
Steve said: “It was important I gave all the football staff a complete break after the last twelve months working through this pandemic.
“Mentally they all needed to get away from the pressures. Paul Scally and myself have not stopped and I am forever grateful to the ladies behind the scenes who, like us, have worked so hard.
“With a number of Championship clubs struggling financially it appears to me the big spenders and gamblers are in League 1. I offer only extreme caution as the last thing we need is the likes of Bolton Wanderers and Bury happening more often.
“We have made a few decent signings and I am sure time will tell with a couple that I am a better judge of a player than some others.
“We identified a list of players early in June and we are working our way through it. We are perhaps over analysing now but doing the opposite is simply not an option.
“EFL 1 has Sunderland, Charlton, Rotherham, Wycombe, Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Wigan Athletic, Oxford United, Shrewsbury Town, Doncaster Rovers and Plymouth Argyle all expected to compete for automatic promotion.
“So our task to improve on last season’s 10th place finish is a huge ask given the resources, but we will be organised, efficient and we will also have a number of exceptional players in our squad. We will find a way to be competitive; the challenge is exciting in a league that many are now describing as a Championship 2.
“My talks with a number of players will continue this week before all the lads report for the new season a week tomorrow.
“We have options in the positions we are looking to strengthen in. What we will not do is sign players for the sake of it, those days are long gone at Priestfield.
“I cannot wait for the fans to be back. I have missed them more than anyone will know, simply they are the lifeblood of every football club.
“Finally, many thanks to our brilliant supporters who have supported the club financially during recent times. Words cannot express how much gratitude should be given, we are all looking to seeing and hearing you.”