NEW manager Nick Spooner has rewarded the Hyde United players who successfully staved off the threat of relegation.
Spooner has asked the whole squad back for pre-season training in readiness for the 2022-23 campaign.
“The players gave a great effort to stay up, but I only had nine weeks to make a decision on their futures which was unfair,” he explained.
“It is only right they get a chance to stake a claim for next season which is why I have invited all the squad back to pre-season training.”
Spooner is currently speaking to players and has made offers to them and he said nobody has confirmed they are leaving.
And as The Correspondent went to press, Spooner revealed Tom Pratt, last season’s captain, had agreed a deal for the 2022-23 season.
“We have made generous offers which are on the table and are awaiting replies from the players,” he explained.
Hyde currently have three players under contract as Jordan Fagbola, Brad Roscoe and Harry Ditchfield, three members of the back four, all signed new deals before the end of the season with Pratt becoming the fourth player to commit.
Spooner added there will be new signings to strengthen the squad.
He said: “I explained to the boys we were in a relegation battle and have to improve the squad, so it doesn’t happen again.
“I will be out shopping to improve the group and have a list of targets and have identified the positions we need to strengthen.”
Spooner added he is currently in negotiations with four players who are at other clubs.
“It is the silly season. Everyone is playing each other off, so we just have to wait,” he explained.
Spooner added he will not be rushed into panic signing explaining he may have to bide his time.
“There will be players who try out at a higher level during pre-season and do not make it. They will come down the pyramid, so it is a case of being patient,” he explained.
Spooner is also optimistic long-term injury victims Kyle Brownhill and Liam Tongue will be back in action for the new season.
Brownhill sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury in the derby against Stalybridge Celtic in December and underwent surgery.
Tongue, meanwhile, dislocated his knee during a game against Witton Albion in March, and both players are making good recoveries.