LIKE an Australian innings, football‘s close season has come and gone in the blink of an eye and it’s time to look at the players who, like the Aussies’ Trent Bridge scorecard, will be topped off by that bit ‘Extra’ during 2015-16.
While many clubs have done a lot of business – Cheltenham have signed 14, Lincoln had a whole new team by the middle of June and new managers Garys Mills and Brabin have had to bring in double figures at Wrexham and Tranmere – I’ve picked out five key summer signings.
They don’t have potential long-term, but they do possess the Ex-factor in terms of experience of the Conference to potentially help their new team get out of, or establish themselves in Non-League‘s top division.
LEE FOWLER – Wrexham
Mills has brought younger players in with more potential, but in terms of having the desire to prove a point to the Racecourse faithful and ability to dictate a game, 32-year-old Fowler should be his go-to man.
He’s already named the proud Welshman captain, and if I had a pound for every time I’ve written that ‘on his day, Fowler is the best passer in lower league football’, I’d be a rich man.
Apart from Nuneaton last term, Fowler has spent recent years in the engine room of teams at the top of the Conference when he hasn’t been shooting off to hook up with ex-boss Dean Saunders in the League.
I expect the same with the Dragons second time around.
TOM CRADDOCK – Guiseley
There is always a surprise package and Craddock’s acquisition could be the difference between a relegation battle and an outside shout of the play-offs.
When Luton first came down in 2009, Craddock was Mick Harford’s great hope. When he was fit, he was irresistible and unplayable. A jinking run here, a piece of instant control there, the ball was glued to his foot when it wasn’t in the net.
The 28-year-old returns to Non-League and his native north a much more experienced player and if the injuries haven’t taken control of his body, he’ll hopefully be just as exciting to watch.
MAX PORTER – Bromley
Another serial promotion challenger and winner from this level with Rushden & Diamonds, AFC Wimbledon and Newport County, Porter is the cog that keeps his team’s midfield ticking over.
Nothing spectacular about the 28-year-old, but a sensible head who leads by example and just the type that Mark Goldberg needs to help his newly-promoted Conference South champions find their way at their new level.
JAY HARRIS – Tranmere Rovers
You’ll notice a theme here with midfielders. When he stays on the pitch, there is no-one better for team-mates to feed off than the mosquito that is Jay Harris.
He buzzes around the pitch, covers every blade and flies into tackles like someone from a bygone era. Would you change that? I wouldn’t. Now 28, he just needs to get his sensible head on to be the kind of leader Brabin needs.
ANDY DRURY – Eastleigh
I’ll finish with a simple one, as discussed on this page three weeks ago when the Spitfires managed to prise the midfielder away from Luton Town.
The signing of Dan Harding this week almost pushed him out from an Eastleigh point of view, as the capture of a man who was playing Championship football last season is a major coup – the latest in an outstanding summer of business for Richard Hill.
But if Drury can recapture his Luton form of 2010-11 that earned him a move to the second tier with Ipswich, coupled with the veteran Lee Cook weaving his magic on the opposite flank to supply James Constable, then I back Eastleigh to lift the title.
