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Goulding on quest for quality

27/ 9/2005

HORNETS coach Bobbie Goulding will spend the next two to three weeks watching the play-offs starting at Batley last Sunday, as he seeks to strengthen his squad.

But he is not planning any wholesale changes and said: "I would expect the nucleus of this season's squad to be with us next season. I won't be letting any players go until I'm sure I have someone to replace them.

"And, like last year, I won't be bringing anyone into the club unless they are better than those we already have.

"I'm looking for quality players, who can enhance the squad, and make sure we are a force to be reckoned with, in what will be the most competitive National League One ever."

Hornets' chairman Ray Taylor was also in positive mood and added: "Bobbie and I had a good chat and we had a look at how far we have come over the past two seasons.

"Last season it was about avoiding relegation, and this year our aim was to improve and reach the play-offs. And, to be fair, we were probably worth fourth spot this year. Bobbie rightly pointed out it wasn't losing to Whitehaven which cost us, but defeats at Barrow and against Oldham twice.

"Add those six points on and we would have comfortably finished fourth.

"The game is all about ifs and buts. However, if someone had said a year last December we would make the play-offs this season I would have said I'll settle for that."

The Hornets' chairman is now focused on further progress next season and explained: "Our aim now is to improve again, finish in the top four and get a home draw in the play-offs. And that's what we are going to do.

"Bobbie has got a copy of the playing register and I'm sure he'll be talking to most, if not all of the current players.

"We know where our strengths and weaknesses are and the squad we want to retain will be signed up as soon as possible. Now that our season is over we are also talking to other players to strengthen the squad."