Notts County’s early dealings during the summer can pay off in the long run, says manager Shaun Derry.
Derry has brought in seven players so far, with Alan Smith, Liam Noble, Nicky Wroe, Hayden Mullins, Cieron Keane, Taylor McKenzie and Blair Adams all signing on the dotted line.
By getting the squad together early and getting the right characters into the building, the gaffer believes that they can build relationships on and off the pitch that will give them the edge in 2014.15.
“Myself and Greg [Abbott] have chatted every day, whether it’s on the phone or in the offices at Notts, and we’ve said that we wanted the players to come in earlier rather than later,” he told Magpie Player.
“I was keen to get the players in early doors because pre-season is vitally important.
“I didn’t want to go into the last week waiting on four or five players because the six weeks we’ve got to work with them is where you get your base.
“It’s not just through fitness but through team spirit as well.”
He continued: “We made a real effort to meet players early to make sure they’re the right types and we’ve done that with all of our signings this close season.
“It takes time, it’s not a case of just picking up the phone and get the deal done, sometimes you have to wait a little longer.
“First and foremost, I think they’re the right players to come into the club and I went on press last season that the overriding difference between this year and last year will be the difference in the type of person that we get here at Notts County.
“Just as individuals - just as people - I’m chuffed that they’re here because I’m going to enjoy working with them.
“Secondly, as players, I feel that we’ve got good value for money.”
The Magpies will face their first pre-season test on Wednesday evening - a meeting with Arnold Town at the Eagle Valley Stadium (7.30pm kick-off).
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