Chapman announces two new signings for Burgess Hill Town

Manager Ian Chapman announced on the club website that trialists Okwute Izuchukwu and Daniel Thompson had signed on the dotted line.

Chapman’s statement to fans said:

“Firstly I am delighted to announce two new signings. Okwute Izuchukwu had been at Whitehawk during pre-season and was recommended to me by the Whitehawk manager Pablo Asensio. We have also signed centre-forward Daniel Thompson who last season was in the Hampton and Richmond squad that won the Ryman Premier.

“Although, I’m still looking to bring in one or two more players before the opening game of the season. As we had a lot of change from last season I’ve had a look at a lot of different players in our pre-season programme and whilst the results haven’t been what we wanted I do feel that we are improving week by week in training. The players are looking sharper and we must now start transferring that onto match-days. Against Whitehawk and Three Bridges the starting XI looked OK for 65-70 minutes before conceding poor goals late through a lack of communication. The only game I felt we were really poor was against South Park.

“What we have also done during pre-season is to look at using some different formations in games, some of which have worked and some haven’t. When I came to this club four seasons ago the team had just finished 2nd from bottom in the league below and it took us a while to build a decent squad.

“I do feel that we aren’t back to square one but we are building again and it takes time to do that. I also feel we have brought some real quality players to the club who need a little time to gel. Over the summer I agreed to a two-year extension on my contract because I believe this club is a good fit for me because it is about producing young players and developing players who maybe needed a new challenge. When I spoke to the chairman he was very honest about the financial side of things and he doesn’t want to go down the road of throwing money around and jeopardising the club’s future. There are too many clubs that have chased a dream on sand foundations.

“Lastly a massive thank you to all our supporters and helpers. Maintaining the clubhouse and ground is a massive job and a big part of running a football club. I, my coaching and playing staff will be doing our utmost to reward you all on the pitch.”

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