Hayes eager to bolster his Blues squad

9:06am Thursday 15th May 2008

FOOTBALL

BISHOP'S Stortford boss Martin Hayes revealed he is in the market for another striker and midfielder this summer, as he sweats on the future of top goalscorer Greg Pearson.

Pearson enjoyed a superb season at Woodside Park, finishing as the Conference South's leading scorer with 27 goals.

However, the Birmingham-based forward (pictured) faces a lengthy commute for training and matches every week, and it remains to be seen whether he will be at the club next year.

As a result, Hayes is preparing for Pearson's departure by earmarking the attacking department as his number one priority during the transfer window.

Hayes said: "We would love to keep Greg with us as he's been fantastic this year, but I'm going to have to sit down with him and see what his decision will be.

"It's all up in the air at the moment."

Hayes will meet with chairman Luigi Del Basso later this week to discuss plans for next season, which will include what funds are available for transfers.

Having seen his side narrowly miss out on a play-off place this campaign, Hayes believes if he can keep the squad together the club can maintain their challenge for a promotion bid next time around.

"Hopefully we'll be able to keep the bulk of our squad together, but you never know what can happen in the current climate," he said.

It has also been announced that the Blues will play four pre-season friendlies.

So far, the club will host Histon on July 18, a Southend XI on July 24, a West Ham XI on August 6, and will travel to Sudbury on August 2.

- Meanwhile, Stortford's Ahmed Deen has been called up for Sierra-Leone's World Cup squad. The side will take on Nigeria, South Africa and Equatorial New Guinea in their qualifying group.

Editor's choice