By Sam
July 28 2006
Steve Thompson has spoke about how pleased he is with the squad and how he has got two players in each position to add that competition between the players to play. While he is also backing his attacking players to make an impact this season.
Steve Thompson is pleased with how the squad have blended together during pre-season, after building a completely new team, while he is backing his attacking players to make an impact this season. Thompson arrived at Meadow Lane with only a handful of players and has pulled of a number of coups to attract players like Andy Parkinson, Alan White and Austin McCann to the club despite the players having attractive offers from other clubs. He has now built a good squad, which will have players competing for places. Speaking to Magpie World, Thompson said: “I certainly didn’t go into the job blind, unlike what some people may believe.” “I had spoken to players over the season and said if I got a job or this job would they be interested in joining me.” “It was essential for me to bring in players like Alan White and Austin McCann who have who have played together, as well as people like young Gary Silk who has played ever so well during pre-season.” “The great scheme of things is getting two players for each position. Kevin Pilkington and Saul Deeney are battling it out, we have Gary Silk and Dan Gleeson at right back, Austin McCann has been tremendous throughout pre-season and Stephen Hunt is now fit and can play there.” “The midfield is packed with competition with Ross, Curtis, Somner and Martin while we have good options on the wings with Needham, Parkinson, Pipe and Sheridan as well as up front too.” “What I’ve tried to do is create a real competition within the squad. What I am trying to do is make sure they all know exactly what the plan is and what they are doing.” He then spoke about Lawrie Dudfield who put in a good performance against Doncaster on Tuesday evening, scoring from close range and was unlucky not to get more. Thompson has also made it clear that he is expecting goals as well as good link-up play from the 26-year-old. “Lawrie is a confidence player, and he has worked really hard to get himself fit.” “He has missed the last two pre-seasons through no fault of his own, but he really is a one-hundred percent player.” “I want to build a team with pace, power and strength and I feel already we are showing some very good signs.” “Parky has shown his capabilities in the last few games as well, so already the attacking options are looking promising.”
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