Cameron must play waiting game

8:00pm Friday 16th May 2008

Comments (9)   Have your say »

Dave Cameron has found his recruitment plans for next season not as straightforward to implement as he had hoped.

The Park Avenue boss has had no problems selecting his targets and has impressed his prospective signings with the club's ambition, infrastructure and momentum following promotion to the UniBond Premier Division.

But what has stalled the process is the contractual situation of some of his targets at their respective clubs.

Cameron said: "It is a frustrating time. We know who we want, we know they will be joining us in the long run but we have to sit and wait for all the legalities and formalities to be signed, sealed and settled."

The Avenue chief was aiming to have most of his incoming players in place early because he already has one eye on pre-season preparations.

Chief executive Bob Black-burn is heavily involved in the planning of the friendly fixtures.

The club's owner hopes sides from Bradford City, Blackburn Rovers and a Liverpool Leg-ends team will be lining up at Horsfall Stadium.

Neighbours Halifax Town were also pencilled in but the problems the Shaymen are experiencing could mean that game being shelved.

Cameron, a former British soldier, added: "I have made arrangements for the squad to visit an Army camp to build character as well as stamina.

"It is a Physical Training Instructor base that will sort the men out from the boys. We will make beasties' out of them one way or another!"

The boss had seen some promising talent in the squad he inherited but he was also aware of some worrying attitude deficiencies. Cameron has been quick to address those failings.

Two players with no problems in that department include captain Steve Connors and his central midfield partner Tom Baker.

Though Darren Hockenull picked up the players' player of the season award, Connors was named as the club's player of the year and also the supporters club's player of the year.

And Baker received the accolade of clubman of the year voted for by the supporters club.