Pic: Terry Rickeard
DEAN BRENNAN reckons the financial gap is closing this year – and the National League South could be more of a level playing field.
Ebbsfleet United‘s budget has been reduced over the summer, while Margate will no longer be bankrolled to the extent they were last year.
Manager Nikki Bull told The NLP they will spend 70 per cent less on players next term after former chairman Bob Laslett pulled the plug.
Maidstone United‘s 2,000-plus crowds gave them more pulling power in the transfer market and Sutton United, who also won promotion, were always considered to have a healthy playing budget.
Despite their relegation, Havant & Waterlooville – who will play in the Ryman Premier after a torrid season – were well backed and operated with a large squad.
Highest
Hemel Hempstead boss Brennan believes there has been a wind of change in the league and next season more clubs could be in with a shout of promotion.
“I really believe the league will be more even this season in terms of finances,” he said. “Apart from one or two who have considerably more financial clout than most.
“Last season, our squad wasn’t good enough. We conceded more than 60 goals and that cost us a place in the play-offs. We were one of the highest scorers, but we set a 66 points target and fell short. We need to learn from the mistakes we made.”
It’s been an exciting summer for Hemel fans, with some good signings coming through the Vauxhall Road door.
Brennan thinks the addition of Hitchin Town‘s hot prospect, Jonny McNamara, could be key, but other noteworthy signings are Aldershot’s Dan Walker, new captain Sam Corcoran and proven scorer Lewis Taafe.
Number one keeper and player of the season Jamie Butler has left, but he says John Henley is good enough to step in and take the gloves.
The close season of change may not be over, however, as Brennan is looking to get in two more players, and that will take the number of new arrivals into double figures.
He could complete his squad next week, if all goes to plan, and already he’s looking forward to the Tudors’ opening day visit to Eastbourne Borough in just over a week.
“It should be an exciting season,” the Irishman added. “We’ve got a hard working side and we’ve added some quality.
“We’re a few players away still but I believe, if we get them, we can reach our targets. With the league more even this season, we want to be in the mix.”
