Hebburn Town boss reacts to key players committing future to club

Top goalscorer Graeme Armstrong, club captain Louis Storey and former Newcastle United midfielder Michael Richardson were amongst nine players to confirm that they will remain with the club.

Young forward Olly Martin added his name to that list when he put pen-to-paper on a contract on Friday morning.

Bolam led the club to within touching distance of promotion and the FA Vase Final before the coronavirus epidemic put a halt on the season and he believes they well-placed to build on an impressive performance under his management.

“In the current climate, it’s a massive positive to get players committed,” explained the Hornets boss.

“The budget has been cut, and that’s understandable given everything that is going on, but the players have accepted that and have bought into what the club are having to do.

“I wanted to put a little bit of normality into my own mind and talk about the game and what the plans are with the lads over the last week.

“There is a high percentage of players that have verbally agreed to staying and some want to think about it.

“That’s perfectly understandable.

“We have made a positive start and I think we can continue to build on what we achieved last season.”

Bolam also confirmed that he is keen to add to his squad in preparation for the return to competitive action.

Bolam admitted that he wants to add some depth to his attacking options and is keen to ensure that he has competition for places all over the pitch.

He said: “We have spoken to one or two players that could come in, but it’s just tentative enquiries at this point in time.

“We want to improve in depth at the top end of the pitch, we want intense competition throughout the squad because that is what will help us progress over the next couple of years.”