Buxton boss ready to roll

Buxton manager Martin McIntosh is in confident mood ahead of Saturday's Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division opener at North Ferriby United.

The Doodson Sport Cup holders have three former Bucks in their ranks - Steve Ridley, Neil Stevens and former captain Gregg Anderson - and McIntosh says his side are in 'good shape' for the tricky opener with 'good levels of fitness'.

The Bucks manager also believes he now has 'strength in depth' following two more signings made after last Saturday's friendly at Conference North Stalybridge Celtic. Ex-Scunthorpe United forward Jordan Thewlis signed after the 0-0 draw along with a familiar face to Bucks fans, former midfielder Kyle Nix.

Both signed league forms to complete a busy summer of business for McIntosh as Buxton expanded their squad.

From last season’s squad nine players were retained - captain Steve Istead, right-back Grant Black, assistant-manager Scott Maxfield, forwards Mark Reed and Kieran Lugsden, midfielder Michael Towey and youngsters Charlie Johnson and Tom Turner. Loanee Marc Roberts is also spending the season at Silverlands again from Worksop Town after impressing last term.

McIntosh's new faces include wingers Sam Duncum from Ilkeston FC and Jordan Hall, returning to the club from Alfreton. Experienced left-back Kevin Sandwith signed from Gainsborough Trinity, young centre-half David Haggerty from FC Halifax and ex-Derby County midfielder Kallum Keane joined along with young defender Dwayne Wiley.

Wiley is expected to be on duel-registration with Staveley Miner Welfare while a couple of last season’s Under 19 squad are also expected to be in the first team set-up. The club revealed today that McIntosh is still hopeful of a further loan signing this week.

The Bucks have won two, lost two and drawn three of their friendly matches. After Saturday's first game on Humberside they take on Marine and Whitby Town at home in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier before the Bank Holiday clash at Stocksbridge Park Steels.