Bird reveals his blueprint

By David Watters

Merstham

Merstham manager Hayden Bird laughed off suggestions that the Ryman League club's budget had gone up during a meeting with supporters, writes Kevin Austen.

Bird, accompanied by the Ryman South club's captain Lee Newman, dismissed the claims when the pair met up with fans and officials to outline their plans and objectives for the new campaign.

While Newman promised to work more closely with fans, the Moatsiders' manager, pictured, told supporters his priority this summer has been to bring in more experienced players after admitting his side had struggled at times last term with the conditions of away pitches and their opponents' style of play.

Apart from his skipper Newman, Bird confirmed that the core of his squad had now re-signed with Rob Carter, Jack MacLeod, Joe Holland, Jack Hope, Adrian Stone, Dean Gunner and Greg Andrews all committing last week.

Popular player Adam Moriarty has left the club though after accepting an offer to join his best friend Craig Tanner at Tooting & Mitcham United following his appointment as manager by Merstham's First South rivals.

Bird's new faces at the Moatside include keepers Brannan Daly from the Met Police and Tom Betts from Lewes. Sam Tucknott has also returned after a spell at Burgess Hill Town while Nathan Simpson, Jordan Wilson, Troy Williams and Taurean Roberts have all arrived from Tooting & Mitcham.

Steve Sargent from Crawley Down Gatwick, Aaron Quain from Ramsgate, Bromley duo Liam Harwood and Aaron Rhule plus the Leatherhead trio of Elliott Thompson, Tommy Hutchings and Chris Boulter from Leatherhead have all joined the club.

Merstham have also confirmed their new management team with Bird set to be assisted David Graves as his player and assistant manager, Tutu Henriques as a player/coach and Clive Offer as his keepers' coach. Mark Norman has been appointed as the club's fitness and conditioning expert with Micky Reed continuing as Bird's physiotherapist and Nathan Newbury as the manager's assistant and kit manager.

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