..quite literally in fact.
Pre-season has well and truly started - and in some style too. The 4-0 victory over Buckland Athletic was as comfortable as pre-season friendlies get, with Mustafa Carayol and trialist Ben Joyce notching up a brace each in what was an impressive start to the new season.
Indeed, Joyce was so impressive that the former Swindon striker has been snapped up permanently. It sounds like a perfectly acceptable signing to me - he's young, quick, and there's definitely some raw potential to work with there. I still feel a proven goalscorer is required, though.
The signings don't end there though. Guy Branston could be on his way to Plainmoor as early as this weekend - is he the strong, uncompromising centre-back we've been lacking since the days of Craig Taylor? Sure, he won't be pretty, and he has the face only a mother can love, but when have centre-backs at this level needed to be anything but solid? Branston's been there, done that, and got the t-shirt at L2 level. A solid signing in my book, if it does come off.
Of course, the signing of Branston would suggest that Chris Robertson is indeed on his way out of Plainmoor. Not that I'm too bothered - I'd much rather have the experience and know-how of 'The Pickler' anyway.
Another player who might be on his way out is Nicky Wroe, who, according to reports, has attracted the interest of the likes of MK Dons, Rotherham United, and, whisper it, Exeter City. It seems Wroey doesn't actually want to leave, but, with Buckle having his budget slashed, in order to raise cash to bring other players in, the sale of our star playmaker might be required. Indeed, to lose him would be a great shame, and replacing a midfielder of his quality would be no easy task - but if the proceeds of his sale make the squad stronger, rather than just the team, then it would make sense. In my eyes, £100,000 for the midfielder would represent good business - as much as it pains me to say it.
Trust in the Management is what's needed here. After all, haven't they earned that right?
