Hawks looking to make ‘quite a few’ new signings ahead of 2021/22 season

Chairman Derek Pope, chief executive Stuart Munro and manager Paul Doswell discussed the route forward for the club in a four-hour meeting yesterday.

The Hawks boss outlined to the board his plans for the 2021-22 campaign with both Pope and Munro 'enthused' by what was put to them in terms of potential summer targets and a squad for next term.

At present, National League South and North clubs are still awaiting FA ratification after the majority vote to null and void the season last month.

Since then, Hawks are one of 18 clubs to have put their name to a letter - the idea of AFC Fylde - asking the National League to be allowed to play on and complete the season.

League general manager Mark Ives said in a radio interview last weekend 'it's in the best interests of the league’ to listen to all clubs’ viewpoints.

In a new development, a proposal is to be put forward for a National League South and North joint competition to be formed, resulting in promotion for step two clubs.

It is believed 'around 15 or 20 teams' have registered an interest in being part of a combined division.

If teams did want to play in it, the proposal would need approval from National League clubs, the Alliance Committee and the FA Council.

However, CEO Munro says Hawks are focused on next season and he came away from discussions with Doswell and Pope with a 'positive' feel.

He said: 'Myself, Paul and Derek are planning for next season.

'We had a four-hour meeting about how we plan for next season, when we’re back at pre-season, what our pre-season is going to consist of.

‘We are looking to play quite a lot of home games because of our pitch in pre-season to get our fans back in to see the players and the new players.

‘It’s all very positive. I’ve got to say from the doom and gloom of whether we’re going to play or not there was certainly a positive vibe in the meeting between myself, Paul and Derek.'

It could be another busy summer of activity at Westleigh Park, the third in a row following Doswell's arrival in May 2019.

The manager is presently holding talks with his squad, who are all currently placed on furlough, over their futures.

Current contracts expire in May, with only a handful of players contracted for next season

Munro revealed there could be 'quite a lot of new faces' arriving and some 'exciting' new additions should Doswell manage to sign some of his top targets.

‘Paul’s been given a remit by Derek and myself to go away and continue with his plans that he presented,’ Munro added. ‘It’s all quite exciting.

‘We’re certainly going to look to bring in quite a few new faces.

‘We’re working on a lot of new signings, some exciting signings, but obviously we can’t do that until the league is finished and the contracts are up.

We’re working on a lot of stuff, but it’s all within the restraints of a budget that’s obviously been affected by Covid.'