Gee hails his star trio

Rainworth Miners Welfare boss Kevin Gee says he’s well satisfied with his summer business after capturing three of his top transfer targets.

The Evo-Stik NPL Division One South boss can't wait for the coming campaign to kick off after signing Hucknall defender Kieran Walker and his captain Callum Lloyd along with Matlock Town front man and former ‘Golden Boot’ winner Ian Holmes.

Gee said: “Obviously, like all managers you put down a wish list of players you’d like to bring in to the club, but to have secured three of those at an early stage is fantastic.

“Our budget means we have to go for quality rather than quantity, so I’m delighted to have captured three of the summer targets specific to how we will play.”

Walker, a tall and classy defender who can also play in midfield, impressed his new manager last season when he played a huge role in the Yellows’ 4-0 New Year’s Day victory over the Wrens. A former Nottingham Forest youngster, he joined Hucknall from East Midlands Counties League Greenwood Meadows and Gee rates him highly.

“Kieran is an exceptional attacking full back and caused us all sorts of problems when he played against us over Christmas last year, so along with Ricky Hanson and Ryan Goward we now have competition and strength in depth in those particular areas,” said Gee.

Lloyd, a former Mansfield Town midfielder scored on his Stags debut against Bristol Rovers in 2005 and later spent time on loan at Alfreton Town before being snapped up by Kettering Town. Further spells in the Conference North with Hinckley United and King’s Lynn followed. After a short spell at Ilkeston Town he moved to Hucknall, where he was club captain last season.

Gee believes Lloyd could be his most significant signing this summer. “Callum, I believe, will be my most influential and significant signing this season," revealed Gee. He fills a gap in an area which I felt we really needed to improve on last year, as we didn’t create or score enough goals from midfield.

“For me Callum is the complete midfield player as he brings not only quality on the ball but also strength and a competitive desire to control games out of possession.

"He will also of course chip in with a few goals but more importantly he’s a winner and I’m sure he will immediately be a fans’ favourite.”

Holmes was on Gee’s target list last year as he sought answers to the Wrens’ goal drought and he's delighted to have finally got his man.

Gee said: “As for Ian, the statistics speak for themselves. It’s well known that I had Ian at Glapwell two years ago where he received the Golden Boot award for scoring 35 goals.

"I’m sure both Ian and manager Mark Atkins at Matlock would agree that he didn’t quite live up to expectations and the hype there last season but he still delivered 16 goals in the Premier Division. For me he’s still the most prolific goalscorer in the 18 yard box in our division.

"With his confidence and appetite for the game returning I’m absolutely delighted to have secured his services for this season.”

Gee, who has also secured the services of Danny Bacon for another campaign and is still hoping to bring in a few more new faces, added: “After two pre season sessions I’m really pleased at the condition and fitness levels of the squad.

"Although we are under no illusions as to how hard the division is going to be this year, we're confident that we'll be ready for the tough campaign ahead.”