Gary Hayward happy to have Buxton dressing room packed with big personalities

Buxton boss Gary Hayward is more than happy to have a dressing room full of big personalities.
Matthew Kilgallon in action for Leeds United.  (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Matthew Kilgallon in action for Leeds United.  (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Matthew Kilgallon in action for Leeds United. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The Bucks have made some impressive signings this summer, with former Leeds United and Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon joining a host of experienced players at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium.

Reece Styche, who has been called up to the Gibraltar squad ahead of their meeting with San Marino this weekend, is among the summer recruits, while last season's top scorer Diego De Girolamo has signed a new two-year deal.

"I've got some good lads, big personalities and big names... but no-one's as big as me though," said Hayward with a laugh.

"There's only one gaffer and they know that."

Of course, when a club signs players with pedigree, accusations of big spending get thrown around from rivals.

But after landing ex-Football League players Stephen Brogan and Shane Killock, plus Sam Wedgbury from Chesterfield and Josh Granite, who helped Barrow win the National League last season, Hayward says the club sells itself.

"The squad's players I knew or that I know. People are saying 'you've made some big signings'.

"I've been round the job a long time, I know players who have played for me before, played in other sides and don't want to travel anymore.

"I know where the players are so I've gone out and picked them. I've lost a couple of big targets but that happens.

"They haven't come to Buxton for money, we don't pay huge wages. We don't have the lowest paid players but we are nowhere near the highest."

While Hayward has been busy using his contacts, he also adds that chairman David Hopkins deserves his share of the praise.

"The players believe in what me and the chairman told them and what we're going to do," Hayward added.

"The one good thing about playing for Buxton, when you've got a chairman as good as Dave Hopkins, is you don't have to concentrate on anything but playing football.

"Buxton FC is run like a league club although it's part time, that's how I'd describe it.

"I want players who want to come and play for the football club."