Pitchero Non League

Kevin Lynch

....strikers to his ranks next week, as he seeks to replace the departed Neil Harvey and Aaron Rey.

Harvey and Rey, who had formed an eye-catching forward partnership last season but were both out of contract, left the Mariners this week to join league rivals Hednesford Town, leaving a gaping hole in Lynch's squad.

But Lynch revealed that he is preparing to replace the duo in the next seven days, with terms all-but agreed with two front men, both of whom have pedigree at NPL level or higher.

“We will conclude those deals, all being well, next week when club secretary Richard Cross returns,” said Lynch. “They are good players, who will make a difference to our squad. “It is a disappointment to lose two very good players, and to a rival club as well. But that is the reality we face. It came down to money in the end, and we cannot match what Hednesford were offering.

“It is frustrating for fans and for myself, but it's just how it is. We know at Marine that we need to do things a little differently; we need to develop players, give them opportunities to shine and then, if they perform, they earn a move up the ladder." Lynch concedes that the loss of Harvey, in particular, is a blow. The Barbados international was the club's top scorer last season with sixteen goals, but Lynch believes that his side's style of play means that strikers will always get chances.

"We create plenty for our forwards," he said. "I think if you look at last season, Neil's last goal came in February and Aaron tailed off a bit too.

"We are very good defensively, and we are a team that always provides our forwards with chances, so hopefully we can get the finishing touches on them next season. I think that would make a huge difference to us, with the players we already have at the club."

One such player is defender John Shaw, who was crowned the club's player of the season at an awards ceremony held in Liverpool last weekend.

"It's great for him," said Lynch. "He's the type of player who typifies the attitude we want at the club.

"He works hard, he trains hard, he cares about the club and gives a lot back besides his performances. Some players could learn a thing or two from John and his attitude. The grass isn't always greener away from Marine. The likes of Jon see the bigger picture, and that is why we value them so highly."

Lynch revealed that a "substantial amount" had been raised at the club's fundraising end of season dinner, held at the Crowne Plaza hotel last Saturday. The money raised will go towards the club's Floodlight Appeal.

Tags: News | Marine

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