FC Halifax Town: “I can’t believe the type of player that wants to come and play for us,” says Wild

The Shaymen lost to Boreham Wood in their play-off eliminator last month, but  exceeded expectations by getting far in the first place.

And the Town manager says that has been a huge factor in the type of player they have been able to recruit this summer.

“It’s massive. The type of players that want to come to our club now are completely different to the type of player that was put in-front of me when I walked through the door,” he said.

“Don’t get me wrong, we were late in the process but it’s completely different, and I think you’re seeing that with the players that are being announced and will be announced.

“I can’t believe the type of player that wants to come and play for us. Gobsmacking.

“And you’ve seen that with the two centre-forwards (Jake Hyde and Matty Stenson) we’ve announced.”

When asked what team Town fans can expect to be watching next season, Wild said: “We want to dominate the ball in the opposition half better, and not go side-to-side as much, have more of a purpose in their half.

“We want to get the ball wide and get the ball in-behind. I’ve recruited two centre-forwards, plus Jamie (Allen), that want to be in the box, between the sticks, and score goals.

“We need to get the ball in the box quicker and earlier. We’re looking for players who can handle the ball better.

“Let’s make no bones about it, teams will try to sit in against us so we need to be better on the football and have more purpose on the ball.

“And out of possession, have more of an ability to win the ball higher up the pitch than winning it in our own box and starting attacks again.”

As well as a raft of new faces arriving, several of last season’s squad have left, including Cameron King, Josh Staunton, Tobi Sho-Silva, Charlie Cooper and Michael Duckworth, who were all offered new deals by Town.

When asked about the reasons for their departures, Wild said: “To be closer to home, or felt like what we were offering wasn’t their value, but that’s fine. That’s not a problem.

“We have what we have, and as I said before, this club knows where it is in the food chain.

“We have to appreciate we are here to develop players and they’ll move on, for more money, for better clubs etc.

“And if they choose to do that, that’s fine. I don’t get hooked up on it.

“I offer the player the best offer I can. if that’s not for them, then they’re not for me.

“I don’t want people who are sitting here and then halfway through the season go ‘I’m not getting paid enough’.

“I’d rather people be happy and want to be here, so if they’re not happy or they’re not all in, they’re not for us.”

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