Brilliant news about Dave Sturgess coming back. Loads of natural talent and still improving. He could be the one to replace the creativity of Trefor and will score more goals given encouragement to get forward and shoot more. He would be wasted at the back though.

I think VT FC have signed Paul Sales from Eastleigh

Can’t comment on the Sales move, but generally speaking it’s such a pity so much emphasise is put on the money side of things. Having faith in the people you work with, belief in the cause and potential of the club as a whole, should count for so much more than it seemingly does.

I’m sure Tom is working very hard, to put together a side capable of great things next season – not easy, but I’m sure the effort will be there over the coming weeks.

On another point, I really hope Tom’s “other team” are all due to return next year. Won’t mention names for fear of leaving someone out, but there cannot be too many mangers in this league who are surrounded by such able and loyal staff.

agree with you asif. look i'm long in the tooth but am I wrong
in saying the key to a successful team is in midfield, those players
who can cover most of the pitch and create chances for the goalscorers.....and get back and help out the defenders, PTFC
need a couple of seasoned midfielders....from a supporters point of view can we afford another 4th place finish next year. I do
think that expectations are high, I do think that even if we don't
get to Branksome people are talking about the club..even in
football sometimes that old saying is true. NO SUCH THING AS
BAD PUBLICITY!! Lets make the most of it and keep interest at
its present level. UP THE TOWN

I agree with the sentiment behind Asifs post. Whatever the ability in question, if a player does not WANT to play for the club he’s best gone.

Take Hleb & Flamini at the Arsenal (particularly Flamini who became key to the side) if you don’t want to be here………bye – simple as that.

Three best players, I totally disagree Pooleloyal. I look for consistency in a player – game in , game out, home and away. Turning it on every 3 or 4 games is not good enough. Using this criteria, we must have watched different seasons . Still, as I’ve said on here in the past, great game for opinions this.

We know this league is a player merry-go-round every summer - and must now look forward.

The key for me is the players we bring in, to compliment the nucleus we have. Players of a quality that give us that edge over our rivals, would be ideal. Recruits from a higher level would inject this into the side – easily said, harder to achieve.

Still, let’s hope your fears are lifted over the coming weeks – and we can all look forward to a season of promise.

Keep the faith.

doughug is ciorrect - it was Paul Sales from Eastleigh.

I am siding with Pooleloyal on the best 3 players moving on - although I only have a limited number of games watched to comment on.

However a number of the new signings do sound promising so lets keep positive.

Just to add my own thoughts on player movements so far............

Losing Ricco is obviously disappointing (although completely understandable given his work / living arrangements and his desire to play at higher level).
Dan Cann had a great season with us and, for me, I cannot understand why he would want to go to Wimborne at this point. Strange one that. And disappointing.
Pete Smith had only played a handful of games so don't really consider that a loss as such.

Unlike a few reports on the messageboard I actually have high hopes for the guys we have already got in.
Yes - certainly Jack Swann was plagued with injuries last season but we have to assume that those will be behind him come the start of the season. He is extremely highly rated as an exciting pacey striker and we do need that. Pace up front is something we definitely lacked last season and, given full fitness, I really think Swann could become a top player for us.

Mickey Hubbard was virtually ever present for Ham Utd last season and again was rated as one of their best players. Great right foot and again, I think a very good signing.

Bailey-Pearce we know about - again pacey and matured as a player since he was with us before. Sturgess too - really always liked him at Poole and maturing all the time. Was disappointed that he left so really pleased he's back with us.

Dan Taylor - admittedly don't know much here but apparently he was Ringwood's best player by far last season and Tom rates him highly. Will be interesting to see.

There have been some reports on here that Trefor Smith has already gone (and even signed for Wimborne?). He hasn't signed for anyone as yet. Everything depends on where his work placement year is but the Club is hopeful that he will sign for us again this season.

Alan Jordan again we know about and would be brilliant to have him back in the side. There is still some to'ing and fro'ing needed on his Army posting but again it is hoped we will have him.

I do know for a fact that Tom is working practically 24/7 on more possible targets and there will be more to come, of that I have no doubt. But I'm personally happy with the quality that we have signed thus far - I think they will add to the side we have - and remember. with the exception of Ricco and Cann we haven't really lost anyone else - nearly all have re-signed. That is a good sign and just carries us on from last season where again Tom had added to what we had rather than a wholesale clear-out as many other clubs do.

I'm pleased so far and can't wait to hear of other new signings.

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks for the update Steve, much appreciated.

A balanced and optimistic analysis of the comings, goings and stayings, thanks Steve.
Good question dave2!

Info on Danny Taylor:

Excellent technique and deceptively strong on the ball for someone so light-weight looking. Played on the left of midfield for the most part at Ringwood last year and his most admired quality is his ability to go past players with his first touch.
A little care-free, but then you'd rather that than some kid who's arrogant and full of himself - he'll do well for Poole.

Any news on any more signings.

It sounds like a good signing. I think some of us (myself included) have been a bit negative about the new season due to Rico & Dan Cann moving on - but as Steve Bean points out most of the squad has remained. Tommy has a new strike force up front and made a few other useful signings. I am feeling much more up beat now as we approach the start of the season.

Anybody else heard that Kevin Gill is looking to sign for Dorchester Town?