Gainsborough Trinity are looking to strengthen their squad this summer after a disappointing campaign in the Northern Premier League that saw them finish four points adrift from the play-off places.
The Holy Blues returned for pre-season training on Tuesday in preparation for their seven upcoming friendlies that get underway on July 11.
They’ve already been active since the season ended, securing the signature of four new additions and managing to retain the majority of key players at the club.
Let’s take a look in detail at the business Russ Wilcox’s side have done in the last few weeks…
Reinforcements
After managing to retain key players like Aaron Simpson, Javelle Clarke, Fraser Preston and Lewis Butroid straight after the season’s end, Trinity put themselves in a strong position going into the month of June.
That business was reinforced by the three new signings in May, bringing in Lincoln United bagsman Connor Brown and former loanee Theo Williams to strengthen their attack.
The third addition was midfielder Elliott Whitehouse who brings plenty of experience to the table, having previously spent time at Lincoln City, Sheffield United and Grimsby Town.
And just four days ago the club announced their first and only signing of June, bringing in 26-year-old shot-stopper Callum Hawkins after his departure from Curzon Ashton.
The 6’2 goalkeeper made 40 appearances last season in the National League North as he helped his side secure 12 wins – keeping seven crucial clean sheets in that time.
Although making just the one signing, it wasn’t a quiet month for the Holy Blues as they crucially managed to retain the services of Bobby Johnson, Jordan Helliwell and Ashton Offler.
FA Cup hero departs
However, it wasn’t all good news for Trinity as they waved goodbye to one of their key players in Sisa Tuntulwana.
Despite the club’s reluctance to sell, an offer made by National League North side Buxton met the club’s valuation of the player, the financial details of which, remain undisclosed.
The move gives the 22-year-old the opportunity to make the step up into full-time football, aligning with Trinity’s commitments to supporting player progression.
Elsewhere, although the club were able to retain Frank Mulhern, the forward will miss the start of the season as he has jetted off to Australia to play for Essendon Royals Soccer Club for the remainder of their season – which could see him out of action until mid-September.