Pitmen secure promotion stars

Hednesford Town have wasted no time in securing the services of eight of their promotion winning squad ahead of their new campaign in Conference North, writes Chris Brewerton.

After seeing his side triumph in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division Play-off Final, Pitmen manager Rob Smith has acted quickly to fend off possible suitors for many of his Keys Park stars.

Smith is confident that the nucleus of a squad which amassed 93 points can hold their own above come August after their performances last season.

He said: "I fully believe that this team is still very much in its infancy and has room to get a lot better and I also believe a lot of the squad is comfortably up to the level we are going into. This pre-season will be the opposite of last year where we made a lot of new signings. My main aim will be to keep this group together and I expect to do just that."

The eight who've already committed themselves to Hednesford are Dan Crane, John Disney, Francino Francis, Ben Bailey, captain Darren Campion, Dave MacPherson, Nathan Woolfe and Michael Lennon.

Smith isn't ruling out new recruits but insists they'll need the same attributes as the club's current squad to even be considered.

He added: "Any new signings will need to have the same attributes as the current crop. They will need to be good footballers with the type of never-say-die attitude that we witnessed in the run-in and play with the passion we are used to. If I can keep the team together and add a couple I am certain we can compete."