Gingerbreads double up in defence

Grantham Town's joint managers Gary Sucharewycz and Ian Robinson have taken their squad building at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League into double figures.

Central defender Deon Meikle has committed to the Premier Division oufit for a further season while former Gingerbreads defender Paul Lister has returned to the Meres after his release from Boston United.

Sucharewycz said: "Paul Lister is a great signing for the squad. He is a big signing for Grantham Town. He is a very good player and very experienced. There were lots of clubs after him who offered deals at this level and the one above.

"He has opted to join us after we sold the club and our vision to him. He had a good time previously at the club and a lot of the things he wants in a team are on the same wavelength as us in terms of the way we want to play the game."

Spells with Alfreton, Hinckley and Boston have given Lister a lot of qualities that Sucharewycz and Robinson say they were keen to bring to the Meres. And it was not only his playing qualities that drew their attentions, they also say his conduct in difficult circumstances has impressed them.

"He has been playing at a high level since he was 19," added Sucharewycz. "He has gained loads of experience at Hinckley, where he stuck with them through tough times and showed the sort of loyalty to the club that we like. Then at Boston again, he showed what a powerful defender he is, but a change of manager often changes things at a club and so it proved. We sold him on the stability we want to build at the club.

"Hucknall tried to get him to sign when I was playing there, it didn’t happen then, but I am delighted to have him on board with us now. He is strong and quick and wins his headers and tackles. Paul adds to the experience we have in the back line and is used to playing against high quality strikers which can only be good for us."

The Gingerbreads’ central defensive options are growing after Tommy Hannigan also agreed terms for next season last week. They've now been added to by Meikle as well as Lister, after he agreed to come back to the Meres for the 2013-14 campaign.

Hailing his latest, signing Sucharewycz added: "Deon has been so consistent for us this season. I have known him for the last ten years since we played together and he is loving it at Grantham. Deon was one of those who stayed with us through difficult times and we will always be grateful to him for that.

"He has been 'Mr Consistent' in the team. He has loads of pace, but also wants to learn and has improved his game as the season has progressed and still wants to get better! The majority of the teams in this league would love to have him in their defence, but when we spoke to him, there was no question in his mind about going elsewhere.”

Lister was at the Meres on loan from Burton Albion in the 2008-9 season. His time at Grantham started with a bang, scoring on his debut at Spalding United in November and making a further 20 appearances. He is delighted to be back and said: "Having been at Grantham, I know the set-up is good. The fans are a great set of supporters. When I spoke to the boss, he gave me the right impressions, that he wanted me at the club and was very straight with me. I appreciate that, the whole package seemed right to me.

"Last season was hard with the problems at Hinckley and then at Boston. I wanted to sign for a club I felt I could settle at. I am looking forward to getting on with the managers and the lads in the dressing room. The club had a strong finish to the season and often a couple of new faces can lift a club from where Grantham finished the season higher up the table. I think the club can certainly build for next season on the finish to this one."