‘I Want to See Who Chooses to Stand Up and Fight’ – Colin Myers on Pre-Season and Squad Building

Pre-season will be extended this year due to the significant number of new players joining the squad. Unlike a typical pre-season, where three or four new additions are integrated into an already established core, we are now looking at bringing in 10 to 12 new players. This presents a considerable challenge for the management team, we must work efficiently to ensure these players settle quickly, develop a sense of unity, and foster a strong team spirit. Establishing cohesion and a shared ethos in a short timeframe will be critical to our success.

Pre-season is not about results, it's about preparation and assessment. I deliberately schedule fixtures designed to challenge the squad in ways they won't experience week to week. These matches aren't about winning; they're about observing how players respond under pressure. I want to see who chooses to stand up and fight and who chooses to hide. These scenarios help me evaluate not only their technical ability but, just as importantly, their mental resilience. Pre-season is a critical period for making informed decisions about the squad.

Our approach to announcing new signings will remain deliberately low key. Although agreements may be reached prior to 1st July, players cannot be officially registered until that date. Until then, they technically remain free agents and are within their rights to reconsider or accept alternative offers. Public announcements too early in the process can inadvertently alert other clubs to a player's potential availability. Given our current financial position, it's essential that we act prudently to protect our prospective assets and avoid unnecessary exposure in the market.

In reviewing last season's squad, it became clear that there were financial challenges associated with retaining certain players. Some individuals were on contracts that, under our revised budget, were no longer sustainable. It's no secret that the club is currently facing financial constraints, and as a result, we've been unable to match some of the previous terms. In those cases, we've returned to the players with the most competitive offers we could responsibly make, in line with our current financial position.

Some players have accepted the revised terms we offered, while others have chosen to move on. In addition, there were a number of contracted players whose deals we've simply decided not to renew. We also engaged with certain individuals early in the process who, before any formal discussions took place, indicated their intention to leave the club.

There has been some speculation regarding Billy Gordon. To clarify, Billy was among the players that I approached to stay on at the club, but he made it clear from the outset that he intended to move on. As a result, I did not proceed with offering him a deal. That's unfortunate, as I've heard positive things about him, but we fully respect his decision.

That's the reality of the challenge we're facing. We've managed to retain the majority of players we were keen to keep, though a few have moved on for more lucrative offers, and, at this point in time, that's simply something we can't compete with financially.

My first focus is on strategically rebuilding the squad, starting with establishing a strong spine of experienced players in key positions, which will help to develop and guide the younger members of the squad.

Negotiations have been ongoing for the past few weeks and continue as we work to secure the right individuals to form that spine. It's very much a process of completing the puzzle piece by piece, and everyone behind the scenes is working hard to get it right.

Yes, absolutely, I am actively seeking experienced players to strengthen key areas of the squad. It's important to acknowledge that experience comes at a cost, and that's a reality we must all recognise. That said, I am committed to investing wisely in those crucial positions and then building the squad around that core.

Our academy players have all been invited back for pre-season, and I'm pleased to confirm that one of them has been offered and accepted a contract with the club. That's a fantastic step forward and a positive reflection on the work being done on establishing a sustainable pathway to the first team.

In addition to that group, we're also bringing in some young players in the 19 to 22 age range. Some of them have played at a higher or equivalent level, but others are untested at this level. They're not kids as such as they have physically developed, they have ability, and I believe they can step up. I'm confident that a number of these young players will come into their own this season and prove to be valuable additions.

I hope to build a very promising group with the potential to form a strong foundation for the future. I aim to use that platform to help steer the club back onto a positive trajectory and put an end to the decline we've experienced in recent seasons.

Pre-season is fundamentally about building cohesion, so a few of the sessions will be specifically designed to promote team bonding. One approach I've used successfully in the past is a day with the Parachute Regiment at Catterick, where the players are put through their paces with a strong focus on leadership, discipline, and teamwork. I will be looking to do that again this year.

I also try to ensure that at least one of the pre-season friendlies is played away from home to give the squad an opportunity to spend time together off the pitch, to have a drink, relax, and strengthen those personal connections.

Pre-season isn't just about the football. We're bringing in players who already have the ability and the right attitude. The real challenge lies in bringing all those elements together quickly. Time is limited, and we need to gel as a team rapidly because our objective is to hit the ground running from day one of the season.