Chettle waits with anticipation

After the early end to the 2019/20 season denied them a chance of a promotion push, Basford haven’t wasted any time in recruiting for another tilt next season, whenever that may be.

He told the club’s official website: “This time of any normal season is always hard. When contracts come to an end (and with the season finishing the way it did) it has made our retention of players even more difficult.

“We had already negotiated some deals before the season came to an end, and we have also secured the services of new players that fit into our ethos as a Club.

“Having worked with the players last season and getting into a really good position in the playoffs, it's difficult to let players go, but decisions have to be made and the structure of the club has to be of major consideration.

“These are difficult times that we find ourselves in and we have to make sure that the future of the club is at the forefront of our minds and securing the services of young, hungry players to work alongside the existing players that we have is going to be exciting.

“We thank the players that have left the club at the end of the season and we hope that they find themselves another venture. The squad is growing, and we are planning for pre-season as normal and listening to the Government guidelines as to when we can get back to work on the pitch ready for when our league programme will commence.”

Basford have brought in Kyle Dixon, Marcus Marshall, Niall Towle, Wayde Hines and James Tague since March, as well as handing new deals to Kieran Preston, Ryan Wilson, Dom Roma and Stef Galinski.