Staying, coming and returning

Tom Ward is staying with The Gingerbreads for the 2019/20 season.

After joining from King’s Lynn last Summer, Tom went on to become a fans favourite, scooping the Supporters Player of the Season Award.

Rawden was delighted to secure Ward “When we came in we knew that even though he was playing Tom wasn’t fully fit. We gave him time to get fit, once he got back he led the defence brilliantly. Having someone of his quality on the ball and experience at the back brings extra confidence around him.” He added “A player of his standard is always going to get other clubs interested in his services, so we’re very pleased he’s staying”

Tom added “Last season was one of my toughest. Being out for a while, then getting fit, then playing with so many different players was difficult. But we got there in the end. It’s now a new season, Paul and Russ are bringing in some quality players to the squad. We’ll work hard in pre-season and look forward to the real thing”

Experienced striker Craig Westcarr is the latest signing by Paul Rawden and Russ Cousins.

The 34 year old started his career at Nottingham Forest before having spells at Notts County, Chesterfield, Walsall, Portsmouth and Mansfield Town in the Football League.  Craig also represented England at numerous youth levels.

More recently, Westcarr spent the majority of last season with Matlock Town after joining them in September on dual registration forms from Boston United, with Craig ending the season as the Gladiators’ top scorer.

“It’s all about having players that know this level” said Paul Rawden when discussing his latest recruit.  “In addition to knowing our league, Craig has experience at a higher level, and he scores goals wherever he’s been. Scoring goals was our biggest issue towards the end of the season. Craig got 16 goals last season in this division, and we feel he’s still got plenty of goals left in him, as well as the know-how that his experience will bring.”

Craig added “I’ve seen the other players that have come in and they’ve said the same. They’ve been sold what Paul and Russ want from their squad and I’m no different. Pre-season is going to be hard work, but it’s what I want. We’re going to start pre-season as a good group, looking to be at our best for the club and its supporters.”

Gregg Smith has re-joined The Gingerbreads, ready for the 2019/20 season.

The forward was last with the club in 2014 before he moved to Kings Lynn. Since then, Gregg has spent time at Tamworth, Boston United, Brackley Town and Stamford.

In his previous 89 appearances for the Gingerbreads, Gregg has bagged 32 goals.

Paul Rawden was happy to get Gregg in “We know that having a fully fit and happy Gregg gets us goals at this level. Before signing him, we’ve told him what we want and expect from him when he pulls on the shirt.  He’s a handful for any defender and will bring a real presence to our forward line.  Also, he’s a Grantham lad and wants to do well.”

Gregg added “It’s good to be back, there are plenty of faces around the club that I know really well.  I’m looking forward to the new season and getting some goals!”