Peaks Speaks About Squad Progress

Sun 23 Jun 2024 - 10:14AM

It’s been another busy week for Andy Peaks as he continues to pull together his squad for the new season. “I am absolutely delighted to be honest with the players who have recommitted to the club, and those we have brought in. To be a part-time club in a full-time league is really difficult when you consider some of the wages that are being paid at this level. It is difficult to compete with some of the money that is being asked for, especially for an experienced striker. We have to be realistic that we don't have the budget to go and pay for 3 or 4 top quality National League players, but with the players we have got I think they give us a good chance of competing in the new season, It’s great that we have Miracle (Okafor), who lots of clubs in the National League wanted, but he chose us, and Dan (Creaney) is coming back, despite loads of clubs wanting him too. I am delighted that, despite higher offers from a number of clubs, a large proportion of players from last season have returned to Tamworth FC. This shows that they want to do well for the club, and that is exactly the mentality I expect from players in the changing room. However, I am still on the look out for another striker who we can add to the squad."

“I am really pleased to get Haydn (Hollis) in. He is only 31 and has played at a good level and brings a lot of experience into the club. He is an A Licence coach too and is stepping down from the full time game to work in a coaching capacity with a football league club. I like to have 4 big strong central defenders which gives us plenty of options if we want to play 3 across the back or if Jordan has to cover at full back, and he fits the bill perfectly.'

“Alex (Fletcher) is a player I have watched a few times and I have had my eye on to bring to the club. He is very calm and composed player and is a very good passer of the ball. He won all the awards at Rushall and I know he had a lot of clubs after him. He likes what we have done over the past couple of seasons and he is another good character that will tick all the right boxes.”.

With regards to a back up keeper what are the thoughts of Andy on this. “It is very difficult to get an experienced keeper at this level in the part time game that will come in as a number 2. I am really pleased that we will have Leon (Phillips) with us again next year and he has been great around the club.

With the 4 players who have returned this week, Andy is really pleased that they want to be at the club and they all deserve their chance at this level. “Ty (Deacon) is a great lad and really committed to the club and wants to give it a go. I have invited him back and we'll see how he gets on. He has had offers far higher than I can pay him, but he wants to have the opportunity. Luke (Fairlamb) has had 2 good seasons with the club and gives us good balance down the left hand side of the pitch in different positions. We were always keen to get Nathan (Tshikuna) back and we have sorted out an agreement this week for him. Everyone knows what he brings to the club and he is looking forward to playing at the higher level. Finally Ben (Acquaye) was set to be in the Football League at the start of last season, so it is a real coup that he is coming back. He is a dangerous player and will cause defences lots of problems to provide plenty of chances for us to score.”