Bards look to bring in four or five new players

STRATFORD Town chairman Jed McCrory has drawn up a list of targets with the aim of securing promotion for the Southern League Premier Central side next season.

And he has confirmed that some of these are from a higher level, providing the experience which he believes will get the Bards over the line.

“I have drawn up a list of around 12 players, a number of them at steps one and two,” he explained. “My hope is that we can get four or five of those signed up ahead of the new season.

“I am looking for the first team to start performing - we have fallen short for the past two seasons. Last season we had the highest budget that this club has ever had and the first team is letting us down and holding the football club back. The aim is promotion and we have identified the areas where we need to improve.”

He added that four of last season’s squad had yet to agree terms and these included Callum Ebanks who has attracted interest from other step three clubs.

And although the striker is out of contract, a compensation fee would have to be paid to the Bards due to the player being under 24.

Ebanks finished the season with 12 goals to take his total to 39 in his 86 appearances for the club since signing three years ago.