Buxton boss says there's more to come as squad takes shape

Boss Gary Hayward says new signing Tom Clare is good enough to play pro football. Pic by Eric Brown.

The Bucks added forward Tom Clare (20) and Godwin and Osebi Abadaki to the Silverlands ranks this week.

But determined Hayward has vowed to bring in more options if he things the squad is lacking in any areas.

“I have got a couple of signings I can’t mention at this stage and we have gone in for a couple of National League lads, who I am hoping to get over the line.

“We will take a look in pre-season and see what the squad is like and if I think we are lacking something then we will go out and get it.”

Hayward has made no secret of his intention to get Buxton into the National League North and has targeted quality signings from that league and above.

And was full of praise for his latest trio, insisting 6ft 5 forward Clare should be playing in the Football League.

“Tom can play anywhere to be fair,” he said. “He is young, athletic and versatile and is still learning his trade.

“I think he has slipped the net personally. He was at Bradford City and I think he should still be playing pro football, he is that good.”

Hayward is also happy with the flexible nature of his squad as he looks to manage a long season of games.

He added: “We have got quite few players this season who can play in different positions, which is nice.

“We have got competition for places all around. It is a big squad but we will have a lot of games and play a lot of Saturday/Tuesday football.

“We need options for when we get niggles and to keep fitness levels up.

“It is going to be tough, Matlock are making good signings, Warrington have made a couple - a lot of teams are making good signings.

“All we can do now is spruce your race horses up for the start.”

Godwin is a former Rochdale forward, who has played for a number of semi-pro clubs and joins us from Mossley, while Osebi has joined from Hednesford Town.

Clare came through the junior ranks at Barnsley. He joined Boston United on an initial loan from Bradford before signing permanently in the summer of 2019 and then ended last season at Bradford Park Avenue.