Brackley Town chiefs respond to complaints over no transfers – as date outlined for likely incomings

As if relegation from the National League back down to the National League North wasn’t concerning enough, the Saints confirmed only a little while later that just one current player - central defender Kyle Morrison - would be contracted for next season.

That number has since doubled to two with versatile attacker Matt Lowe recently putting pen to paper on a one-year contract extension, but it’s still worrying that no new signings have been announced as of yet.

But fans need not fret as, rest assured, hard work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure Brackley are in the best possible position ahead of next season.

Head coach Andy Whing, alongside new recruitment heads Joe Taylor and Gareth Dean, have been laying the foundations

Goalkeeping coach Ali Worby has been involved, too, aiding the player recruitment process.

Worby, who has spent a total of 13 years at Brackley across two spells as a player and now coach, can offer some reassurance.

During a recent Inside Brackley episode, Worby said: “I know it’s tough and I’ve heard a lot of fans say, ‘Where are the signings?’

“All I can say is the amount of work that goes on now is more so than the season in terms of the backroom stuff and the conversations happening.

“We just have to remain patient. They will come. There are a lot of conversations happening. It’s just not now, they’ll hopefully come in the next week or so.”

Dean, who is settling into his new boardroom role since retiring as captain with a record 449 club appearances, added: “It’s important to note as well, it’s a players’ market at the moment.

“As much as managers want to be in every single room and talking to players, making sure they’ve got a foot in the door and showing their interest at this stage, you also have to remember that players are doing the exact same thing!

“They want to speak to three, four, five clubs. They’re going to have agents speaking to clubs on their behalf, touting them around.

“These players might be speaking to all these clubs at this stage. Ultimately, they’re always going to ask for inflated wages at this stage in the market.

“They’ll be patient as well as football clubs will be patient. But that soon changes, and that will change at the flick of a switch.

“You’re probably talking the 10th of June… certainly mid-June. Players will start to get a bit itchy and twitchy. Then there will be some more realistic conversations.”

Dean then concluded: “I think at this point, it’s important the football club protects its resources first and foremost.

“You don’t want to be overpaying for a player’s worth because you were too eager.”