Despite seeing three players leave Pinchbeck United so far this summer, player/boss Ian Dunn is refusing to panic.
The Knights, who finished fourth in last year’s Future Lions UCL Premier Division, are operating with a slightly smaller budget this season – with their prospective new ground very much in mind.
Dunn has seen defenders Luke Wilson (Holbeach United) and Jason Field (Skegness Town) opt to leave, while midfielder Harry Vince has stepped up a level to link up with Stamford.
He has agreed terms for Nick Jackson, Nick Bishop, Stacy Cartwright, Ricky Lovelace, Kofi Ross and Jordan Nuttell to stay at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field for another year – and does hope to retain the rest of last season’s squad.
No new signings are ready to be announced yet, but the player/boss hopes to plug the holes created by the recent departures.
“We’re not panicking,” insisted former Holbeach United and Spalding United striker Dunn. “I notice that a few people are doing the panicking for us on social media.
“We’re looking to be mindful and sensible with our budget this season, with the new ground on the horizon. It’s not been slashed or anything like that, we’re just going to tighten our belt a little.
“Most of the lads will have been talking to other clubs, that’s normal.
“We had a great season and the players deserve to listen to any offers that they have.
“We’ve potentially lost a few, but nobody can really sign anybody until next week. We’ve spoken to players too, but it’s still very early.
“Obviously we’ll look to replace the players that we have lost and will prioritise those positions.
“Until next week, everything is up in the air. I’ve already seen players go back on their word and leave clubs they’ve supposedly ‘signed for’ this summer.”
Pinchbeck, who returned to pre-season last Thursday, have their first pre-season fixture at home to Bourne Town next Friday night (7pm).
They then host Horncastle Town on July 12 (7pm).
