This week has been a busy week in terms of finalising the squad. Firstly, we had the disappointing news that Dan Gregson has been offered an irresistible post at a League 1 club and so we have decided to let him pursue his dream and we wish him all the very best in his new career.

That meant that we had to bring in a replacement and Liam has moved swiftly. He had mentioned that he had been following this particular centre half for quite a while and Liam was aware that he was about to sign for Southport, but I'm delighted to say that Jack Higgins, the former Ashton United captain, has signed a one year contract with us last night.

Jack, 23, was not only voted their player of the season last year, but was also voted the best centre half in the league and nominated in the league's best XI for 2014-15. The 6'2" centre half colossus is dominating in the air and plays on the left side of the centre two. Welcome to the Fold Jack and we wish you every success. Your fitness has already impressed Mr. Watson!

The final piece of the jigsaw is to ensure that we score 80-90 goals this season. If we want promotion, we not only need to keep clean sheets and dominate in midfield, but we must be prolific in the 6 yard box. With that in mind, we set about getting the final piece of the jigsaw. After protracted negotiations, I'm thrilled to say that the transfer fee has been agreed and we have bought Adam Farrell from Telford for an undisclosed fee.

Liam took Adam, aged 25, from Fylde, where he had netted nearly 20 times, and made him an integral part of Telford's championship winning team where he scored 17 times en route to lifting the title. Adam still had a year left on his contract but he now joins Alex Johnson, Steve Tames and Simmo in a 4 strong attack that will hopefully achieve the objective of notching up the 80 goals or more needed.

Welcome Adam and we hope that you have a long and successful stay at Bower Fold.

Training has started and overall Liam is delighted with the fitness of the squad. Alec Mudimu is so fit that he may become the next Mo Farah and Liam is pleased that most of them have kept themselves in very good condition over the close season. All that is needed now is for the players to start to gel as a team and that we hopefully hit the ground running.

Exciting times!