Manager Paul Dickov spoke exclusively to Rovers Player to give an update on the current situation regarding players.
Paul confirmed that he has now spoken to all of the players that are out of contract and revealed that the conversations that he has had have been ‘positive’.
“I have spoken to all of the players that are out of contract,” confirmed Dickov
“It has been slightly difficult with me coming in a little bit late and players being away on holiday but before we start back, on June 24th, we will have had answers back from all of the players.
“The good thing for me is that the players realise that they’re at a very good club that has got stability, it’s a club that is going places and is will be playing in the Championship. Throughout all of the conversations that I have had they’ve been very positive.
“The infrastructure at the club is fantastic at the moment but I want to make that better. I want to make the whole club better from the playing side right the way through. It is important that the players that were here last season know that they are appreciated but it is also important that they know that we are raising the bar and setting our standards high next season.
“I want to bring in quality players; ones that can ensure that we will be really competitive in the league next year. I’ve said from day one, people might think I’m stupid for it and I might live to regret it, but we want to be challenging next year. We want to be really competitive in the division, every game we go into we want to win and we will have a really good go at it.
“The players that I’m talking to all fit the bill and it’s now up to me to sell the vision of the club to them and get them in at the right price too. One thing I won’t do is go and spend any money that we have got on anyone with the wrong type of personality or mentality. It is important to know what sort of person I’m getting; everyone knows what a player can do on the pitch but I’ve got to look beneath that and make sure he’s the right character and that’s what I'm doing at the minute.
“I will stress again that the players that were here last season have done ever so well and deserve their chance. The mix that we are looking to get, with the ones that are already here and the ones that we are looking to bring in, will give us a good chance next season.
“The one thing I will say to the fans is just be patient. We are speaking to some top quality players but these things do take time. I’m excited about the players that we are looking to bring in and I’m sure the fans will be too if we can get it sorted out.”
Paul also confirmed that he has pin-pointed people that he would like to bring to the club to compliment the backroom staff that are already here.
“I have pin-pointed one or two people that I would like to bring in and compliment those that are already here,” he added.
“It’s a busy time at the minute so things like that get put on the back burner a little bit. I need to concentrate on other stuff that is happening at the stadium, at the training ground and with the players.
“There will be one or two additions in due course but as I have already said they will be to compliment the staff that are already here.”