MIDFIELDER Scott Shulton should find out at the end of this week if he has secured a deal at former FA Cup winners Southampton.
The Blues favourite was invited down to St Mary’s by former Bishop’s Stortford FC advisor Les Reed, now the Head of the Football Development Support Centre at the League One club.
However, Blues boss Mark Simpson is hopeful the ex-Grays Athletic player will sign forms at Woodside Park and play for Stortford next term.
“Fingers crossed he will stay with us. If he is doing well at Bishop’s Stortford then clubs will see you and sign you,” he said.
Simpson hopes up to 16 players will sign Blue Square South forms this Saturday.
These include goalkeeper Nicky Morgan and centre-half Lynvall Duncan, who have been linked with moves to AFC Hornchurch and Dartford respectively.
“I hope to sign the two on Saturday. They have a lot of experience. Defensively towards the end of last season we looked solid,” said Simpson.
The pair would join Stevland Angus, skipper Matt Jones and re-signed left-back Aiden Palmer in a very strong backline. “Stevland is one of the most experienced defenders in this league. Palmer and Jones gives us attacking options,” said the Blues boss.
He has lost out on central midfielder Jacob Mingle. The ex-Braintree player is thought to have joined a Football League club.
The Stortford chief needs a forward as Danny Morgan has medial ligament damage and is out for the first month of the season. He is also suspended.
Simpson is hopeful midfielder Ben Bowditch (knee ligament) will return in October.
Blues kick off their pre-season campaign at home to Chris Sutton’s League Two Lincoln in 12 days (Tuesday July 20, 7.45pm).
MATT Jones is set to wear the captain’s armband again when the Blues kick off their Blue Square South league campaign at Eastleigh on Saturday August 14.
The 25-year-old right-back has been a loyal player at Bishop’s Stortford and did a steady job after he became the fourth skipper in Bishop’s Stortford’s turbulent 2009-10 campaign.
Paul Goodacre started the season as skipper before he left to go to Braintree Town in October and this was also the destination for Stortford’s third skipper last term, Tom Champion.
The side eventually avoided relegation from the Blue Square South and claimed some silverware when Jones led the team to a 4-1 victory over Cheshunt in the Herts Senior Cup final.
Stortford boss Mark Simpson said: “He has signed [for next season]. It is one of the easiest decisions I have to make. Matt Jones gives you 120 per cent whether it is on the training field or in a game.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve. He also helps youngsters and gives them constructive criticism.”
Jones is a team man and has been one of the few constants over the last five years.
Although not naturally left footed, he filled in at left-back last season. He also played in a holding midfield role as well as on the right side of midfield.
His performances were certainly appreciated by fans, players and the manager alike as he was named Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and
Supporters’ Player of the Year at the end-of-season presentation night in May.
The fixtures which were released by the Conference last Thursday (July 1), will see Goodacre return to Woodside Park with promoted Dartford on Saturday January 29.
Goodacre left Braintree Town in the summer to join the Ryman premier division champions.
This side could contain three other ex-Blues players. Striker Danny Harris signed last autumn for Dartford, while Tom Champion joined after the new year.
Simpson admits it’s a tough start for Stortford with games against fancied Ebbsfleet, Eastleigh and Dartford, plus play-off hopefuls Staines in the first four games.
“There is no pressure. It’s all about confidence early doors. We want to be in the top half of the bottom half – mid-table. We must turn draws into wins.”
He added: “We are not fancied this year which is great. Everyone thought Blackpool would be relegated but they all bought into the idea and worked their nuts off. You need to work hard and get a bit of luck and there is no reason why we can’t do well.”
The visit of Dover to Woodside Park on Saturday October 30 will be one to note in the diaries. Ex-Blues boss Martin Hayes took over as manager there this summer.
