Five star signings expected to shine

Former Boston United pair, full-back Jan Yeomans and midfielder Harry Vince have signed on after loan spells at Causeway Lane last season, along with former Chester City winger Jordan Chappell, Alfreton midfielder Marcus Marshall and Jerry Nash, another midfielder, who was with EVO-STIK League South champions Basford United last season.

Hoole, appointed permanently before the end of last term after turning around the campaign as caretaker boss, believes all five players will improve the quality at his disposal and meet expectations when the 2018-19 EVO-STIK League Premier Division season kicks off.

A Manchester City supporter and admirer of Pep Guardiola whose own style of play won admirers last term, Hoole told fans his side will be doing everything they can to emulate the hard work and passion for keeping the ball the Premier League champions display when the new season kicks off on Saturday 18 August.

The Gladiators boss, pictured, said: “All of the players have featured at this level or above and the style of football we play meets their expectations and vice versa. They are all high calibre players and we’re getting a good blend with a mix of youth and experience. Their fitness levels are up there with what we want and they also have a lot of ability."

“I’m a Man City fan although with Pep Guardiola it’s at the other end of the scale but the formation he’s used and the football he’s produced has seen them second to none and they’ve won the Premiership in style. I’m not saying we can go out and play exactly like Man City but I’m a big believer in qualities such as working hard to keep the ball and I’ve taken that on board and I think we did that at the end of last season and it’s good to emulate a top side.”

With his Gladiators due to report back for pre-season training on June 30, fans can also could look forward to a number of new faces with Hoole's summer business far from over.

He added: “We’re getting a good response from players of this standard and above wanting to come to the club so that’s all good. We’re continuing to talk with lads that were here last season although one or two are away on holiday but pre season’s a while away yet and it’s going to be a busy few weeks.”

Image courtesy of @Matlock_TownFC

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