Gainsborough Trinity put together 'exciting batch'... but manager Curtis Woodhouse says more signings are on the way

Curtis Woodhouse has labelled his new-look Gainsborough Trinity squad an 'exciting batch'.
Lewis Collins has returned to Trinity. Photo: James WilliamsonLewis Collins has returned to Trinity. Photo: James Williamson
Lewis Collins has returned to Trinity. Photo: James Williamson

The Holy Blues boss has bolstered his dressing room with four signings so far this close season, and says there are 'three or four' more targets in the pipeline.

Keeper Tom Jackson, who played under Woodhouse at Bridlington Town, has joined from Frickley Athletic, while midfielder Lewis Collins - who has been on the books of Reading, Grimsby Town and Mansfield Town - returns following a loan spell under former boss Dave Frecklington. Collins has made the move from Cleethorpes Town.

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Adam Drury, a right-sided player who was a Manchester City trainee and appeared for Burton Albion, St Mirren and also Trinity, has been brought in from Grimsby Borough while the quartet is completed by midfielder Reco Fyfe, who was with Ilkeston Town last season.

Tom Jackson. Photo: Dom TaylorTom Jackson. Photo: Dom Taylor
Tom Jackson. Photo: Dom Taylor

They will join Jack Walters, Gregg Smith, Alex Wiles, Declan Bacon and James Williamson at the Northolme.

"It's been a really strange time for recruitment," admitted Woodhouse.

"I finished the season with five players who were put on 18 month contracts around Christmas.

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"But I always wanted to revamp the squad and get a lower average age, players that were hungry and maybe discarded by professional clubs but have the ability and something to prove.

"I'm happy with the recruitment, it's an exciting batch.

"I signed a two-year contract with the club and I see this as a two-year project, working with players who I think can improve the team.

"I'm really excited about the new group. They may not be signings that make the fans go 'wow' straight away, but I think after a few games they'll be thinking that.

"I've still got another three or four to come in."

Revamping the playing squad doesn't come without its casualties, with popular club stalwarts Shane Clarke and Simon Russell among those departing.

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"It's a tough job coming into a club as manager. There are good players and great servants at the football club, and I have to make unpopular decisions," Woodhouse added.

"But every decision I make has to be, in my opinion, for the best of the football club and team.

"It's nothing personal. In the past I've had players I wouldn't want to go for a drink with, but if they do the job they're in the team.

"I can't ever let personal feelings get in the way."

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