Brown happy with Lancaster squad despite interest in key men

Lancaster City boss Phil Brown is pleased with how his squad is shaping up despite the potential departures of two key players.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jul 2016, 04:58 BST
Craig Carney. Picture: Paul Currie.Craig Carney. Picture: Paul Currie.
Craig Carney. Picture: Paul Currie.

Ryan Winder is set for a move to Darlington while Craig Carney is currently on trial at another Conference North club, Stockport County.

Brown has so far sealed the signings of Louis Mayers, Charlie Russell, Joshua Westwood and newest recruit Oliver Crolla with more set to follow.

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He said: “We’re brought some new players in and I’m still looking at a couple more.

“I’m confident the ones we’ve recruited will do well and I’m confident the structure we’ve got with Macca (assistant manager, Dave McCann) and Rob Henry as player-coach will see us there or thereabouts this season.”

The Blues boss believes the fact two of his key man are attracting interest from big clubs is a good sign for the club.

He said: “We obviously don’t want to lose players but it’s difficult to stand in their way some times.

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“We can take solace in the fact that the ones that have left are going to clubs at a higher level.

“It shows we’re doing things right.

“We’re getting the right players in and our methods are working.”

New boy Crolla starred for Blackpool Wren Rovers as they won the West Lancashire League Premier Division last season and is a player Brown has always had his eye on.

He said: “I’ve known about him for a few years.

“He’s a former Fleetwood Town scholar who had a brief spell at (AFC) Fylde.

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“He won the West Lancashire League with Blackpool Wren Rovers and I watched him a few times.

“He can play all across midfield.”

Simon Wills could also be set for a return to the club having featured in the 4-0 win over a Stockport County XI in City’s opening friendly on Tuesday night.

The the tough-tackling midfielder left Giant Axe for a move to Australia back in February 2014. 
Brown said: “Simon is just down having a look at us and we’re having a look at him.

“We’ve not spoken about terms or anything but we’ll be having a chat later this week.

Former Morecambe youngster Matt Livingstone, a left back, also played against Stockport but is heading out to America having secured a scholarship.

Related topics:Phil BrownLancasterLancaster City