Morpeth Town manager Craig Lynch was delighted to secure the first three signings of the summer.
Looking ahead to a new campaign in the NPL East Division, Lynch and his management team have been working tirelessly during the off-season to recruit new faces to bolster a squad that is looking to return to Step Three at the first opportunity.
Striker Adam Lennox joins the Highwaymen from Shildon, winger Louis Burns arrives from South Shields, with a very familiar face returning to Craik Park in the shape of midfielder Sam Hodgson.
Lennox is a proven goalscorer in the Northern League and is looking to test himself at a higher level.
Burns is keen to progress up the league structure following his release from Shields.
Hodgson, who was hugely influential when we won the title last time in NPL East and then had a successful loan spell at Craik Park more recently, will provide assurance and experience in the middle of the park.
“I’m delighted to get the first three signings in,” said Lynch.
“Recruitment has been ongoing from the first day the season finished – it’s been a difficult off season with the player pool; clubs in the North East are all vying for them.
“We won’t over pay on what we think a player is worth to us. We’ve had some good chats with players and it wasn’t right and we’ve had some chats with players which make you shake your head.
“We are still talking to players and it’s never stopped for six weeks! It’s a case of knowing teams are talking to the same lads but also knowing if one player goes elsewhere it may free another to come to us.
“We are waiting on a few this week and hopefully it’s good news by the end of it.”
Speaking of his new signings, Lynch highlighted varying skill sets, which will enhance key positions in his squad.
“Adam Lennox is a striker who has been in the Northern League and is an established goalscorer. Since I spoke to him, I knew he would be the type of player we are looking for,” he added.
“He wants to score goals and has shown that last season at Shildon from starting or coming off the bench. It was evident last season with Hodgy (Morpeth striker Sam Hosgson) being injured we didn’t have an out and out striker who wanted to score.
“Adam fits the profile and I’m looking forward to him scoring goals for us.
“Louis burns is someone we’ve seen play for Ashington last season. James (Armstrong, Morpeth Assistant Manager) watched him numerous times and again he’s a player who wants to get in the box to score and create chances.
“He is a young player who wants to impress and progress back to full time after being at South Shields; he comes with a good report from Ian Watson (former South Shields manager) and I think he will be a forward player who will excites fans.
“We welcome back Sam Hodgson again for the third time. Sam has never let me or the club down and was one of the unsung players when we won this league.
“We were desperate for Sam to stay last season after a great end to the previous season but circumstances weren’t right and one positive of being relegated, if there is such a thing, is that the circumstances are right for him to come back.
“He’s the extra experience we lacked last season but also the quality on the pitch to keep everyone calm and progress us forward.”
