Town boss McGrath closing in on further additions to his squad

The Shaymen have announced the capture of ex-Sheffield Wednesday defender Mackenzie Maltby and it is thought another new signing is very close to being completed.

In addition to that, McGrath says the club is closing in on adding other new faces to the squad.

"We've got three or four signings imminent, really excited about them and about the current crop we've got already that were here last season," he told the Courier.

"They're really, really good footballers and we want to blend everybody together now to make sure we're ready for pre-season."

McGrath wants the vast majority of his squad in place for the start of pre-season on June 29.

"I want the majority, probably 80-85 per cent of the squad, to be together, because with every team I've ever played in and every team I've ever managed, it's a team effort, it's a bonding that starts on June 29 that will see you right through to the first week in May," he said.

"These lads have got to stick together for ten months and that starts early, so the more of them I can get together and blend together; it's going to be a completely different style of football we've have so they've got to get used to that, get used to each other, set-pieces are different, there's all sorts of things that will go into the melting pot of what will be a successful season."

The biggest question mark hanging over his current squad seems to be regarding star striker Will Harris, who has been linked with a move away.

But McGrath says there has been no movement on that front.

"That's as it was. We're all involved in a team squad WhatsApp group and they've all had their inputs in that in the last couple of days, saying they're looking forwrad to getting back into training and 'see you all soon boys'.

"I've added the newer boys to that group.

"Will's one I'm really looking forward to working closely with, he's an exceptionally gifted young footballer, he's a talented footballer.

"Does he belong in the National League? Probably not.

"I'm lucky to be working with him but Will's destiny will be Football League, hopefully Championship and beyond.

"He's a dedicated young man who wants to better himself and progress but as we sit here now, he's a Halifax Town player."

The future of winger Angelo Cappello is also undecided.

"He's had an improved offer sent to him," McGrath said. "I've spoken to him personally, so the offer is there, so I think he's weighing it up."

McGrath says the club will have trialists throughout pre-season, and says it's probable that there will be late additions to his group.

"I would envisage there'll be four or five (trialists) per week," he said.

"There's lots of players who are out of contract, lots of players who are calling me, lots of agents are calling, lots of heads of recruitment and sporting directors of clubs from higher up who are saying 'we've got an exit strategy for three or four players, would you have a look at them?'

"We're quite a specific fit for some players and there's always a gem or two to be picked up in July or August."

Town will have a full first week of pre-season before their opening warm-up game at home to Sheffield United on Saturday, July 4.

"My motto for pre-season training is I do not expect August 8 results on June 29 but as long as we're in a building process and we build blocks every day, every week, every month," McGrath said.

"I also don't expect May 5 results on August 8. As long as we strive to get better each day then we'll be successful.

"But at the start of pre-season you need to put a base level of fitness down. I like to doi a lot of our work with the football, so everything will be football-related, to how we play, to our shape, to our patterns of play.

"But I am to deliver an energetic, well-drilled, fit side for the Halifax faithful to come and watch."

On progress with his backroom staff, McGrath said: "Pablo was up with me yesterday and we had a walk round the training ground, setting certain things in place and came across to the ground.

"We've got a new physio, who we met yesterday.

"The analyst is the same as last year's (Owen Peacock) and we're just waiting on some legalities for the goalkeeping coach, who is currently in another role."