Tigers manager Scott McNiven has given Luke Edwards the lowdown on new signings Phil Jevons (pictured), Alex Brown and Tim Marshall, as well as his thoughts on familiar faces Callum Byrne and Andy Pearson.
Experienced former Everton, Grimsby, Hull, Yeovil, Bristol City, Huddersfield, Bury and Morecambe striker Phil Jevons signed for Hyde on Sunday, and Nivs explained why he went in for the 32-year-old Liverpudlian:
When I looked through the list of PFA released players and saw he’d been released by Morecambe I had a meeting about him as I know what a class player he is.
I spoke to him, sold the idea and he wants to be part of the project. He’s excited to come us as he is hungry as he wants to still prove himself.
He had better offers but he came to us and it helps that he knows Gavin (McCann – first team coach) from his Everton days.
Some people will say it’s a risk because of his age, but I wanted to bring in someone with experience. Me and Gavin had a chat and felt we needed that to help our younger lads, some of whom haven’t played at this level before.
Chester’s Alex Brown was our second new signing of the summer:
Alex is a high quality midfielder and has a few England C caps. He’s also rejected better offers and wants to test himself at a higher level.
He won Chester’s player of the year last season and several players who have played with him can’t speak highly enough of him. I feel he will be a massive asset to us.
Fellow midfield man Tim Marshall might not be a name familiar to many, but McNiven explains how he came to his attention:
Tim is an attacking midfielder. He has been having trials that have been held at the ground as part of the Pass2Pro scheme. He’s been recommended to us and we got first choice on him despite reported interest from Hull and Burnley.
He seems enthusiastic and keen and wants to get back up the ladder and hopefully he can do that for us.
Like Tim, Andy Pearson and Callum Bryne were names that few Tigers supporters would have known before they turned out at Ewen Fields, but they quickly established themselves as essential players in last season’s title-winning squad.
Both Andy and Callum have signed new contracts with the club, and the gaffer explained why he wanted them on board for the new season:
I’m excited that Callum agreed to stay. I know what a good player he is from my last time here and he was a pleasure to play with and we know about his ability.
He is ambitious and he is here to stay and help us progress.
I’m delighted that Andy is staying also. He’s been an intregal part of the team.
I’m really pleased for him that he is in the Blue Square Bet North team of the year, and So I’ve challenged him to get in the Blue Square Bet Premier team of the year next year.
Photo: Ingy The Wingy
