On-field, Gainsborough Trinity might have just one game left to play in their Northern Premier League season, but they have plenty of news off it.
From contract signings and a golden boot race to chairman switches and club statements, it has been a busy time at The Northolme.
2024/25 Preparations underway:
So far, six Holy Blues players have penned deals to keep them at the club next season. They join Dayle Southwell in the squad for the 2024/25 campaign, as his contract is set to expire after the next term.
Striker Declan Howe (more on him later) became the first Gainsborough man to sign on the dotted line. It was a statement of intent, securing the services of the club’s seasonal top-scorer for the up-coming campaign.
Fan-favourite midfielder Bailey Conway, defender Ashley Jackson, hometown boy Lewis Butroid and the experienced Bobby Johnson all followed. The most recent addition was Fraser Preston. The former Scotland under-19s international has made 45 appearances for Trinity, notching six goals along the way.
Speaking to the club’s website, he said: “It was no brainer for me to sign here again. Since I came back from injury, I’ve loved every second of being back on the pitch and feel like I’ve got my love and hunger back for the game.”
Changes at the top:
Gainsborough chairman Andrew Wood has stepped down due to ill health. He announced, on the Trinity club website, that he would leave his post after the final game of the season against Radcliffe.
“I hope my short reign as Chairman has brought about some long-term changes at the club and feel I leave the club in a stronger position on and off the pitch, from when I took over,” he said.
Mr. Wood, who owns digital marketing firm KAL Group, took the reins as chairman in late January.
The club announced that Dave Horsley will take over as chairman, while Matt Boles will carry out the day-to-day running of Trinity as CEO. It was also confirmed that John Myskiw will remain as the commercial director.
Golden Boot Chasing Declan Howe:
Back on the pitch, Declan Howe is making strides towards the NPL golden boot. He currently leads the way with 26 goals, two ahead of Workington AFC star-man David Symington.
Howe has surged to the top of the ranks with 12 goals in his last seven games. He finally secured the hat-trick to go along with the seven braces he has secured so far this term. Impressively, the Englishman’s goals have come in 33 appearances.
Gainsborough Trinity take FA Cup Replay stance:
Finally, the Holy Blues have joined a number of non-league and EFL clubs in making a statement against the FA and Premier League’s decision to scrap FA Cup replays from the First Round Proper onwards next season.
In a club statement, Gainsborough condemned the “disgraceful decision”. They added: “The decision, and the way it was taken, demonstrate a total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans.”
Follow LincSport on Twitter/X for coverage of Gainsborough Trinity’s final game of the season, as they face already crowned champions Radcliffe on Saturday, April 27.