Day 304

Grant Brown led the backroom meeting today. He suggested I sign Steve Kember as a new coach. Kember, according to the information I have at my disposal, is no better than anyone currently on staff. That’s not good enough—we’re on the climb, so we need to bring people in who raise the standard. Brown also offered two alternatives, however, and one of those was up to scratch.

Only problem was that Joe Roach wanted £150 more a week than the board will let me offer. He bargained down to £575, but that was still £75 over budget. I’m not too down about it—I plan to recruit new staff more formally in July, when the preseason begins.

Brown also suggested three fantastic scouts as additions to the backroom. None of them would accept my terms.

Since I’d been prompted about new additions, I went ahead and decided which staff members I want to keep next season. Among my three scouts, only Peter Johnson met my exacting standards. Gardner and Bradshaw will leave when their contracts run out.

In the physio room, Samantha Rees is out; Kevin Oxby has another year on his contract, so I guess I’m stuck with him.

I’m on the fence about youth coach Andy McMillan, who is good but not great with youngsters—and nothing to write home about in any specific coaching skills.

Goalkeeping coach Chris Adamson is no longer of interest to me as a player (he was my backup keeper this season), but I think I’ll keep him on as a coach. Grant Brown (defending expert) and Kevin Paxton (fitness expert) are also on the “probably keep” list. I don’t think I’ll offer Jason Fowler a new contract, however.

Rounding out the backroom staff is assistant manager Martin O’Connor. I’ve been delighted with his contribution since he replaced Curtis Woodhouse in February. He’s staying on for sure, provided I can meet his wage demands. (And in fact I already offered him a new deal.)