9:00am Thursday 29th July 2010
By James Tegerdine
EBBSFLEET assistant manager Paul McCarthy has revealed a number of potential signings have priced themselves out of deals with the north Kent club.
After being relegated last term from the Blue Square Premier following a seven season stint in non-league’s top flight, Ebbsfleet’s management team have had to rebuild their squad from scratch for the second year running.
However, some players have demanded astonishing amounts of money despite Fleet reverting back to a semi-professional club.
McCarthy said: “We are finding it difficult now we have become a part-time side to attract decent players.
“Some of the sums of money players want as part timers are extraordinary.
“They are looking for cash and want everything net and nothing gross.
“But we are still very optimistic about building the squad again for the second season from scratch and hope to have everything in place for our first game of the season.”
Meanwhile, one player who has agreed to sign for Ebbsfleet is former Millwall goalkeeper Preston Edwards, who put pen to paper on a one-year deal after impressing during a trial.
McCarthy said: “Preston has signed this week for us.
“He has played at high level, so he is an experienced player for his age.”
Despite his experience, Edwards couldn’t prevent the Fleet from losing 2-1 against Gillingham on Saturday, but fellow signing Calum Willock opened his Ebbsfleet account in his first game for the club.
The St Kitts and Nevis international striker’s all-round game is something McCarthy feels will be invaluable this season.
“He holds the ball up well, brings players in around him, as well as scoring goals like he did against Gillingham, so that will have boosted his confidence,” the assistant boss said.
“Calum started well when he came to the club and has a good pedigree when you look at the clubs he has been at.
“As long as we keep him fit, he will be a terrific asset this season.”
A number of trialists have featured during pre-season as Daish and his assistant piece together their squad ready for the opening game against Maidenhead on August 14.
However, McCarthy confirmed the future of the trialists, including familiar face Craig Stone, is yet to be decided.
He said: “The trialists have done OK but we are not sure what the situation is at the minute.
“Nothing has been sorted out just yet.”
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