Written by Frankie Rudland (@rudlandfrankie)
Hamworthy United manager Tim Sills insists he is not adjusting his transfer plans despite the reintroduction of supporters providing a well-timed cash injection.
The Hammers were handed a long-awaited financial boost after they were given the green light to welcome fans back to The County Ground last Saturday after a lengthy 5-month absence.
Non-league clubs up and down the country have been in limbo after their season was curtailed in March, leaving them without any substantial income during the lockdown period.
Despite this, both club and manager have remained active in landing their targets, with stopper Shane Murphy joining from Dorchester, whilst midfield duo Matt Neale and Max Buckler also penned deals after departing Christchurch and Portland respectively.
And Hammers boss Sills has been quick to praise the board for their backing in an uncertain window, he said: “To be fair to the club they’ve been really good, they’ve supported us all the way through the lockdown period.
“The club was in a good place anyway, but that doesn’t last forever so of course you need your fans back in and you need the functions going as well.
“At the moment I’m really happy with my squad, and what this does give us is the reassurance that I won’t have to change my squad for the worse as we progress through the season.”
Meanwhile Sills is readying his side for the visit of Wimborne Town as preparations for both teams ramp up ahead of the fast approaching curtain raiser.
The Magpies have undergone a period of transition this summer, with new boss James Stokoe bringing in a host of new signings as they prepare for an assault on the Southern League Premier Division.
Beating their fellow Dorset residents would prove a sizeable scalp for The Hammers, and Sills recognises that the fans involvement could be the key to getting the best from his players: “You can just feel a bit more of a buzz when you have fans in, it makes it a bit more real.
“It adds a little more intensity in your mindset as you want to impress the people that are watching, especially when you know that those people are paying to come and watch you.
“You just feel that little bit more prepared, and if there’s a header to be won you have an extra bit of spring.
“You aren’t getting massive amounts in, so it doesn’t make too much difference in terms of an atmosphere, but there’s just always something in the back of your mind when they are there.”
The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 29th at The County Ground. Follow Hamworthy United on Twitter for live score updates.