Squad Update From The Manager

Manager, Jim Gannon, has provided the below squad update.

“I thought it was important to spend a little time and produce a piece that will help both inform and explain a number of football decisions that have been made in recent weeks. Since arriving at the start of last month I have had to deal with a lot of changeover and transition issues at the club. I am keenly aware at a football club the need for dynamic management is a continual process, and this week in particular has seen a number of further difficult issues arise.

The departure of the previous manager had seen some players reflect on their position at the club and leave, such as Kingsley James. It is also with sadness we have to report that Janni Lipka has departed due to his long term injury problems. 

This week, similar to Tom Morris, Liam Hardy approached me and explained the difficulties he had with long distance travel and with the difficulties of balancing the pressures of work, life and family which was compromising his ability to be fully committed to Hyde United FC. We reluctantly accepted the position and Liam’s request to leave and find football much closer to home. We have tried to be as professional as possible in finding a solution and trust the speedy decision and action meant clarity for all parties.

The potential short-term difficulties of the departure of Liam, was compounded within this week by the interest of Stafford Rangers FC in Theo Bailey-Jones. When approaches are made for players, I feel that it is important to be both professional and decisive in finding the best outcome for all parties. It became clear quite quickly that both the strong interest and attractive offer from Stafford would present a very good opportunity for Theo and I accepted his request to leave. Theo has been given a real opportunity under myself and I have appreciated his efforts on our behalf, and we wish him well.     

With the current injuries to several first team players and the number of fixtures in the coming weeks the staff and players available will be stretched again. They will need our full support. With that in mind we are working hard and diligently behind the scenes to bring in both short term and long-term additions. To assist in the attacking side, we have added Jack Dyche on duel-registration forms and he will be available to add to our attacking options for Saturday’s game. Our thanks to Steve Cunningham at Curzon Ashton FC for allowing the quick processing of the registration. Jack is well known to many at The Project Solar Stadium. His attacking attributes, positive energy and desire to play for the Club will surely be a plus for us.

We are also currently in the process of approaches for further additions, and I look forward to providing a further squad update nest week. I have outlined the principles of our recruitment in my programme notes this week and am looking forward to the process of building and developing a team that has a stronger football identity built on core principles of developing players, organic improvement and sustainable growth.”

In addition to Jim’s update, we have also today made another 2 signings.

Youth team player, Aiden Butterworth has signed for the first team. Aiden has scored a hatful of goals in the recent FA Youth Cup games.

We have also signed Hamid Addai, whom originally signed from the Academy in the 2019/20 season, but due to COVID never got to make an appearence.