Hungerford Town manager Danny Robinson is pleased with the club’s early progress ahead of next season.
After an 8th place finish last campaign, which was viewed as a season of stabilisation following relegation from the National League South, the club have got to work re-signing and retaining much of the squad.
In total, twelve players have re-signed for the new campaign, including veteran goalkeeper Ryan Clarke, centre-backs Luke Softley, Jack Wright and Baboucarr Jarra, as well as full-backs Jack Stanley, Louie Paget, Matt Berry-Hargreaves and Ramarni Medford-Smith.
Further up the field, the core group of midfielders have committed their future to the club, with George Smith, Jacob Gardiner-Smith, Joe Shepherd, Brad Hooper and Sam De St Croix all renewing, along with 29 goal striker Conor McDonagh.
Robinson was delighted to have re-signed so many already.
“I’m forever grateful to all the lads who want to stay
“Last year was tough, as we had to pretty much start all over again. We only had three!
“This year we can hit the ground running”
Among those who have re-committed is nineteen-year-old centre-back Luke Softley, a former captain of Aston Villa’s U18 side before he was injured and released, then finding his way to Bulpit Lane.
“We see massive potential in him, he’s going to be a hell of a player”, said Robinson.
“He was finding his feet last year in men’s football and just got better and better. He needs to continue to work hard.
“This time next year we’ll be fielding a fair few phone calls.”
At the other end of the scale, goalkeeper Ryan Clarke is entering his twenty fourth season at the age of 42.
“You can’t bottle up what Ryan Clarke has. Experience, a winner, phenomenal in the changing room especially with the younger lads.
“A wonderful human being and a joy to work with”, Robinson said of the Oxford United legend.
Awaiting the squad is a pre-season campaign which Robinson warns will be “brutal” for the players.
“We’ve got eight games. Swindon Town [9th July] and Cheltenham Town will be coming to us.
“Chesham are coming, Chippenham too and Hampton & Richmond. A few good ones for the fans to get their teeth stuck into.
Regarding transfer business, the Crusaders will have signings to announce in the coming weeks.
“We’ll be making a couple of big signings. A winger is another thing we’re looking for.
“We’re pretty much there. The shopping is almost done.”
“It’s all down to myself, I work hard on that. The club set me a budget, then it’s up to me to push the boundaries!”
Regardless of their footballing abilities, Robinson has some non-negotiable traits which all of his players must possess.
“They have to buy into what we do. They have to be hard working, determined, have a willingness to win and fit into the group.”
Before he could get on with that, there was the small matter of Town’s Beer and Music Festival, held last Saturday.
“I think I’ve got to do some work!
“It’s what makes the club special. I’ll be up there helping out.
“Then hopefully I’ll get some free time and I can enjoy the beer!”
