Ibbo wastes no time in stengthening squad
LEWES FC manager Steve Ibbitson has wasted precious little time in laying the foundations for the club's next campaign, with no fewer than four new signings made over the course of the last week.
Ibbitson, along with his assistant Jason Hopkinson, moved quickly to secure the services of striker Rob Gradwell on a permanent deal following an impressive spell at the club on loan from Hayes & Yeading last season. Also inking a deal at The Pan is young midfielder Lewis Ide, whom the Rooks attempted to sign last season. The versatile 19-year old began last season at Brighton and Hove Albion before being farmed out on loan to Bognor Regis.
The Lewes boss has also catered for a need between the sticks, with former Albion and Burgess Hill stopper Chris Winterton charged with the unenviable task of replacing player of the season Rikki Banks in goal, who recently signed for local rivals Eastbourne Borough.
But the marquee signing is undoubtedly the return of midfielder Simon Wormull, who put pen to paper with the Rooks earlier this week.
Wormull, 34, was an immensely popular figure amongst supporters during his previous spell at the club when he was deployed in various positions across midfield during the Blue Square South winning season of 2007/2008.
However, Ibbitson foresees a more fixed role for the former Eastbourne Borough and Farnborough Town man this time around.
"It's my intention to play him as a central midfielder." he stated.
"He has played in the past as a wide midfielder, but we see him generally as a central midfielder because that's his best position."
The Dripping Pan boss also believes that the 34-year old midfield general can inject some added verve into his side, as well as provide added experience which could benefit the squad as a whole.
"I think his energy and enthusiasm will help us. He's heavily built and looks like he's carrying a bit of weight which he's not.
"He's a very energetic and a fit lad, and we think his experience will help us a lot."
Ibbitson, who famously wrenched the Rooks from the clutches of relegation last season, added that he is on the cusp of rubber-stamping his playing staff for next season and indicated that more announcements of player and contract signings could follow in the coming week.
"We're fairly close to finalising the squad." he confirmed.
"We're looking for another striker at the moment, but we've not publicised all of the signings we've made yet or the signings that we're going to make."
"I'm going on holiday in the middle of next week, so I want it all buttoned down by then."
All roads seemingly point to an exciting season in prospect for the Rooks in 2010/2011, as the club seek to move onwards and upwards following the turbulent and emotional roller coaster of last term.
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Weather for Lewes
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Temperature: 0 C to 2 C
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