Gainsborough Trinity returned for pre-season training last week in preparation for their six friendlies and another season battling for promotion from the Northern Premier League.
Manager Russ Wilcox has seen two players join, two players leave and a key man extend his contract for his side in the month of June as the team look to gel together ahead of their pre-season fixtures.
Goal Machine Departs
A huge blow for the Holy Blues came with the departure of fan favourite Declan Howe, who moved onto National League outfit Scunthorpe United.
Howe, who scored 67 goals in all competitions for Gainsborough, had been offered a new deal by the club but he turned it down – making it clear it wasn’t about money but the opportunity to test himself at a higher level.
The striker was Wilcox’s first signing in charge of Gainsborough, the manager said: ““Dec has been magnificent for our football club.
“We as staff and players take small credit for what he has achieved as it’s a team sport and we can only be successful as one.”
Gainsborough also waved goodbye to Bailey Conway who joined fellow Northern Premier League side Cleethorpes Town, the 22 year-old midfielder accumulated 84 appearances and scored twice in his time at the KAL Group Stadium.
Two New Faces
Gainsborough’s first signing of the month was left-sided centre back Adam Crooks, the experienced defender joining the club following his departure from York City.
The 27 year-old came up through the ranks at Nottingham Forest and in his time at the Reds, experienced loan spells at Lincoln City and Port Vale.
Crooks also played a significant part in Grimsby Town’s promotion from the National League in 2022 – the Holy Blues will be looking forward to the great level of experience and composure he offers going into next season.
Irish forward Frank Mulhern recently became Gainsborough’s second signing in June, bringing the number of Russ Wilcox’s squad up to 16 players strong.
The 28 year-old was most recently at Scarborough Athletic in the National League North where he featured prominently last season before being released by the club ahead of their 2025/26 campaign.
Like Crooks, the Irishman brings plenty of experience to the KAL Group Stadium, having started his career at Leeds United and enjoyed spells at clubs like Huddersfield Town, Southport and Boston United.
Lancaster staying put
A major boost for Gainsborough was influential defender Will Lancaster signing a contract extension which will see him stay at the club until at least the summer of 2026.
The ball playing centre back played 54 games last season and stepped up on multiple big occasions for the club, most notably scoring a 96th minute leveller against Hednesford Town in the Emirates FA Cup to take the tie into extra time.
Lancaster cemented himself as a fan favourite in his first season at the KAL Group Stadium, claiming the titles of Young Player of the Season, Supporters’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Manager’s Player of the Season at the teams End of Season Presentation night.
With only three players through the door so far and a squad size of 16 players, it’s likely July and August are going to be busy months for the Holy Blues ahead of a big season in the Northern Premier League.