FOUR captured but more to come – according to Rotherham United boss Mark Robins, as he continues to build a squad to win promotion next season.
The record equalling £150,000 signing of Tom Pope, along with the acquisition of Kevin Ellison and the double raid on Sheffield United for Nicky Law and Jamie Annerson, have marked a successful early pre-season for Robins... but he has hinted more ne
w faces could soon be arriving.
"I wanted to get two or three in, fairly quickly, and had identified players I wanted," he said.
"It doesn't mean that we've done. I am still looking to add to the squad. But there is no need to rush either. I'm happy to have done things early and now I'll be prepared to wait as will if necessary.
"When clubs start returning to pre-season training is often a time when things start moving.
"We are not going to have as big a squad as we had last season but I believe it will be better and there is going to be strong competition for places."
Once pre-season training begins, Robins will look at former Stoke City striker Mark Grocott – who enjoyed a successful trial towards the end of last season with goals for the reserves.
A battle is expected to erupt over the next week, with Sheffield United defender Kyle Naughton the ultimate prize. The Blades are set to have a tough time if they want to keep hold of the promising youngster as Aston Villa and Everton prepare to slug it out.
United knocked back an unofficial bid of £5m from Everton boss David Moyes – who is rumoured to be ready to make a more solid and improved offer. Villa supremo Martin O'Neill has been a long time admirer for the full back who picked up England Under-21s experience last season.
Sheffield Wednesday chief executive Nick Parker has assured supporters that the club is committed to building the side around the young talent.
Defenders Richard Wood and Tommy Spurr have both been offered new deals as they enter the last year of their contracts but have yet to sign sparking fears they may see their futures elsewhere. Parker said: "We are not a selling club.
"Of course we want to keep all our best young players. We have a core of young really good players and around that I think what Brian Laws has been trying to do is bring in a bit of experience.
"Darren Purse, Tommy Miller and Michael Gray are slightly older, more experienced and a bit more level headed.
"He has been bringing in experience while trying to keep the youth and enthusiasm that we have there, and I think it's quite cool really."
