HYDE United will become better after ‘over-achieving’ last season, says manager Nick Spooner.
Defender Jordan Fagbola has joined fan favourite Liam Tongue in leaving following a successful Northern Premier League campaign.
But Spooner hopes his summer dealings, which have already started with two signings, can make a stronger team and squad for a tilt at the title next term.
And there are no hard feelings towards Tongue and Fagbola, with the former joining Guiseley.
He told the club: “We’ve had to make a decision on a few people to freshen up the squad.
“People have been loyal to the club, we made them an offer but they chose to leave.
“Tonguey did really well for the club, so did Jordan, but they’ve both made the decision to move on but I wish them well.
“We’ve got to move on and we want to make ourselves stronger. We over-achieved last season but we enjoyed it and I think that’s where we want to go again.
“It was their decision. Football’s a revolving door unfortunately. If players decide they want to play elsewhere, all we can do is shake hands and wish them well.”
Hyde’s first new signings are defender Joel Amado and striker Bailey Thompson from Atherton Collieries.
Thompson, 21, said: “I’m buzzing to be here. I’m hoping for a fresh start and I’m ready to kick on.
“I’m a big striker, who can just score goals really. That’s what I’m here to do, hopefully.”
And Spooner hopes the impact the new boy can have up front can help him to bigger things.
He added: “I thought Bailey and Joel were excellent on the occasions they played against us.
“Bailey causes problems and wants to improve himself, move on and he’s ambitious. I hope he scores the goals for us and he does go on.
“Hopefully we’ll bring in a few more and I was desperate for a striker. We missed so many chances and we’re looking to get better in all aspects.”