By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe manager Allan Oliver says there are more signings to come as he continues to strengthen his squad for the 2012-13 season.
The ambitious Newtonians boss bagged his third impressive new signing this week when he persuaded the much-courted striker Gavin Barton to join Aycliffe, turning down a string of other clubs.
The 26-year-old former Spennymoor Town forward follows ex-West Auckland midfielder Martin Young and speedy winger Kris Hughes to Moore Lane Park this summer to represent an exciting trio of signings.
And as Oliver has also retained the bulk of his squad that finished the 2011-12 campaign, he’s hoping to add at least another one or two headline signings to his promising young squad.
“I’m hoping for at least another one, hopefully two,” Oliver told Aycliffe Today.
“We’ve kept the core of the team, don’t forget, and we’re over the moon with that.
“We’re working hard to get the right individuals in. After that they have to perform to the best of their ability, but we’re confident we’ll do better than we did last season.”
Oliver admits he had to play a patient waiting game while he persuaded Barton to join Aycliffe, with other sides also vying for his signature.
Oliver added: “There’s been a bit of negotiating with the lad, he’s obviously had a lot of offers because of what he can bring to the table.
“But you sometimes have to wait for quality, you can’t just get it straight away, so we’re absolutely delighted to get him and I’m sure he’ll do the business for us.
“Gavin is predominantly a penalty box player, great finisher, great presence, he’s got a great first touch and an eye for goal.
“For me he’s your old-fashioned centre-forward – if you give him the supply, he’ll do the business.
“Big players fetch other players, and we regard Gavin as a big player.”
Click here to see Oliver’s interview in full.
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