Buxton chairman confident boss has the tools needed to challenge for promotion

The ambitious Bucks are targeting a spot in the National League North and announced a number of new signings and contract extensions on 21st June.

The Bucks brought in Gibraltar international striker Reece Styche, left winger Callum Powell from Yeovil and striker Khaellem Bailey-Nicholls in search of more goals.

And they have been joined by Spennymoor full-back Stephen Brogan, Grantham midfielder James Berrett and experienced centre-back Shane Killock.

And Hopkins believes the former Hednesford boss now has all he needs to get the club at the top end of the Northern Premier League Premier Division table.

“We haven’t given him a black cheque book, but we have said we will back you,” he said.

“Money doesn't buy you success, but it certainly helps.

“Anyone who visits will see the investment we have put into the facilities, the pitch, the academy - there is all sorts going on.

“We are always working to make the environment as best as it can be for the players and fans, within the constraints of our level.

“We have all got a spring in our step, but probably more than ever this season, it will show the real ambition of the first team.

“How well the first team is doing does set a mood at the club. You don’t want to set yourself up for a fall and say you are going to win the league.

“To be fair Gary would be the first to admit we have certainly given him the tools to do that. After that we all know things can happen.

“No disrespect to the NPL, we would love to get into the National League and to do that you have got to give your manager the tools to be able to do it.

“There might be a number of clubs who may need to tighten their belts this season so maybe this is a window of opportunity for us.

“It is not a now or never. My businesses always look for medium to long-term and building for the future.

“If promotion doesn’t happen this year we will obviously live to fight another day. It is not an all or nothing season by any means.

“If you are successful you find yourself in the National League North and you have got to be able to back that up, it’s not a case of getting up for the sake of it. It is about looking forward as a club.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Bucks were also boosted with the news that keeper Grant Shelton has re-signed after an impressive debut season, while Tommy Elliot, Reece King, Warren Clarke and Matt Curley also signing new deals.

And Hopkins is confident the new crop of players have the ambitions needed to get Buxton where they want to be.

“When I met the targets I was really pleased. These guys obviously want a few quid but I sensed all the players were ones with football ambitions.

“They want to win things and they meet our ambitions to move the club forward.

“There are some talented lads there who have seen what we want to do and want to be a part of it.”

He was also quick to give Hayward full credit for pulling off the transfer deals.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting the new signings,” he said. “He has worked very hard since he came to the club.

“We put our thoughts and strategies together for the club and he understands my ambition, which is probably why he came to the club in the first place.

“Last year was always going to be about survival, but when we felt less threatened Gary got a real good insight and we got to know each other much better.

“He got a good look at the lads and saw how they reacted when times got tough, which is a good indicator of any player.

“There were a number of areas where he felt we could strengthen and that has been worked on for a number of weeks and a lot of players have been met.”

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