Darrell Clarke aims to go into next season's League Two campaign with the acquisition of four more new players, following yesterday's free transfer signing of James Clarke. In the wake of the defender's arrival at Rovers, manager Clarke made it clear further recruits will be added in the coming weeks, and that a number of players already at the club will be signing new deals as early as next week. DC said: "One or two things will be happening early next week with one or two of the players agreeing the terms they've been offered. Other than that, I'm still looking to bring in four new members to the squad – that's what I'm after. There's a lot of talking going on, but it has to be the right sort of player, who fits into the right mentality, at the right price. I'm after a couple of wide players and a central midfielder. Obviously Chris Lines would be my first choice, but everything has to be right with that deal." The manager also made it clear he is in no rush to increase squad numbers. DC added: "I'm certainly not panicking – there's no rush. Can I see anything happening soon? Not really on the new players front. But things can change pretty quickly. I imagine much of the business will be done in the back-end of June and the first couple of weeks in July. But I'm pleased to get a bit of business done." One player, however, who hasn't been offered a new deal is defender Neal Trotman. The 28-year-old was ever-present in the Rovers backline for the early party of the season, but suffered a series of injuries from January onwards. Trotman eventually underwent knee surgery in March and was consequently ruled out for the rest of the season. DC said: "Neal Trotman wasn't offered a new deal, but we've offered him the opportunity to come in for pre-season. He's getting over a knee injury, so we will see how that goes. He has the chance to come back and prove his fitness and earn a new deal. Whether he does is down to Neal because he'll want some security." Meanwhile, with new signing James Clarke now among the ranks, Rovers have cover at the back. DC added: "I'm delighted he's joined us and he will come in and give good competition for places in the back four. He's predominantly a right-back but he can play centre-back and play in a three, which is important for me when I want to change things about. He's quick, aggressive and strong and a welcome addition. He has the right attitude to go with his game as well." http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/BRISTO...tory-26685419-detail/story.html#ixzz3cpzFIjpG
Understandable but a shame about Trotman. He is a real asset and was by far our best centre back at the early stages of last season. Hope he can prove his fitness and get a deal with us again, otherwise I fear we may be the ones to lose out here. Clarke, I know nothing about him and it seems to be just another Salisbury boy - not that that worked out particularly badly last time around, but we are a league two side now, so players who have never played in league two may be a bit of a gamble
It's interesting just how much quality there is in the non leagues. DC seems to know just which ones to go for... and they're cheap too. Be interesting to see how they make the step up...
I learned last season that there are some very good players in non league who is easily good enough to play at a higher level. However they decide to go part time and have another job. So they get a very good wage and paid to play football too. They get more money that way than what they would get if was a full time player in league 2. I can see why some stay where they are. Money. But to me it lacks ambition.
It must be a difficult choice. These days loads of league players get released every season, so most lower league players probably need something to fall back on.
