Two of last season’s playing squad have this week agreed new deals to stay at Keys Park for the forthcoming campaign after recently meeting with Hednesford Town manager Liam McDonald.
Goalkeeper Lloyd Ransome and striker Danny Glover have both confirmed their intentions to stay with the Pitmen as we look to make an immediate return back up to step two of the non-league game.
McDonald was delighted to be able to keep hold of both Ransome, who hails from Hednesford, and 26-year-old Glover. He said:
“Danny Glover is someone who has got a lot of experience. I have had a chat with him and he knows himself that the last year or so haven’t been the best for him but I believe that he could be instrumental to what we do next season.
“He has a wealth of experience and is at a good age. Danny has a character that perhaps needs a confidence boost now and then and a manager that can give him that.
“This is a big opportunity for him to get back to where he was beforehand and I hope that he can do that.”
Speaking about Ransome, who will battle it out for the number one spot with Dan Crane, Liam said:
“Lloyd has showed a real desire to stay at the club and that has certainly impressed me. He had the chance to leave the club and go to somewhere that would guarantee him the number one spot but he decided to stick with us.
“He’s very much in the same boat as Dan Crane as both goalkeepers will go and fight it out over the summer.
“It is a fresh start and it will be a case of going out there and earning a place. It certainly gives us some competition as Lloyd is a big lad and a really nice one at that.
“I have watched him in action on videos and also saw him live last season when he performed well.”
Glover, who returned to the Pitmen towards the tail end of the last campaign after enjoying a fruitful spell in 2014 with Hednesford, admitted he was looking forward to getting the opportunity to help put things right again this season. He said:
“I’m really happy at Hednesford and I didn’t want that to change. After a disappointing season for myself and the club last season I want to put things right and help get Hednesford back up to the Conference North.
“I spoke to the manager several times during the close season and to people who know him. He has the same aims as myself and a lot of people have good things to say about him. As soon as I knew I was in his plans my mind was made up.
“Also the new Hednesford skipper has put his foot down and told me the squad needs a new head of fines committee so I’m not allowed to leave!”
Meanwhile Ransome, 25, was looking forward to the challenge of the season ahead after turning down a number of sides to stay with the Pitmen. He said:
“I’m delighted to be staying with Hednesford. I’m a local lad so this club is important to me and I’m excited to be working alongside Dan Crane again this season.
“I feel that both of us will be pushing hard for that number one spot which I believe can only help improve us both individually and as a team in the long term.
“I’m looking forward to the season ahead and working with the new manager.”
The club can also confirm that Paul Ennis had now departed from Keys Park after signing a deal with Curzon Ashton earlier today. We wish Paul all the best for the future.
