Albion go on a signing spree (From This is The West Country)

Albion go on a signing spree

3:29pm Saturday 7th June 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

HEAD coach Mike Tewkesbury has announced no less than 11 new signings for Bridgwater and Albion's first-team squad - but warned there were no guarantees of success for next season.

Just a week after naming the 11 new arrivals for the club's elite development squad, Tewkesbury has recruited the same number for his first-team plans as ambitous Albion line up a promotion charge in National League Division Three South next season.

Bridgwater have recruited seven forwards and four backs, including some familiar faces from the past at Bath Road and others with international, Premiership and County Championship experience.

And the signing spree may not be over yet as Tewkesbury is in talks with two other potential arrivals, who he hopes to bring in within the next week.

The experienced coach said the influx would bring competition for places to a level never seen before at Bridgwater, with the hope it creates a "performance culture".

He reckons all the arrivals are "up for the challenge". "They're all quality players but they'll be challenged by the quality players already in the squad," he said.

"Everyone has to fight for their place and nobody's jersey is guaranteed. Players need to be challenged, and last year it was difficult to get that challenge."

Tewkesbury recognises the importance of the coaching staff's role in nurturing a squad that hopes to build on a mid-table finish last season by chasing for promotion.

"I think we have to do that - we can't tread water any more," he said.

"But there is no guarantee of success. They've got to gel and work together, but it's a step forward."

Tewkesbury, known for his youth development skills in the past, said recruiting young players was "the way forward" and believes he now has a nice blend with experience.

He said it was important to build a first-team squad of about 30 players in order to achieve success, with a pool of 45 needed to cover the Development XV as well.

With 24 of last season's squad re-signing, the coaching guru's plans are falling into place - with two more arrivals on the horizon.

"I think it will happen but I prefer not to announce anything until the contract has been signed," said Tewkesbury, who thanked the club for their "tremendous support" with his summer recruitment drive.

To find out the names of Albion's 11 new signings, see the June 10 edition of the Bridgwater Mercury.

• Print
• Email
• Share