New Signings

[GRIMKNIGHTS]

Realistically what new signings can we bring to the club. We desperately need some reinforcements for next year otherwise we’ll be getting hammerings. Be an interesting league next season with both merged. A lot of teams will strengthen even more, I think it’ll be even more tough next season than this year.

with 3 players retiring and these dual reg’s which haven’t worked. Seems like we’ll be threadbare next season.

need to spend some money.

[phildog]

Agree GK, but you can hear the galloping approach of the 'where's the money coming from' brigade.

[phildog]

Season's officially over, Presentations done. 2026 starts tomorrow, Ford in charge, get working, get results.

[RogerT]

Our season is over, there are still the play offs to go, I know we are not involved in that but just wait and see, negotiations are still on going, lets just give people a little space and time, yes I want the Bulldogs to do better than this season. 

[Blind side johnny]

Most honorable clubs delay the announcement of recruitment of players from other clubs until the season has fully ended. I think that Batley usually come into this category.

Fans just need to show a little patience.

[distantdog]

3 hours ago, Blind side johnny said:

Most honorable clubs delay the announcement of recruitment of players from other clubs until the season has fully ended. I think that Batley usually come into this category.

Fans just need to show a little patience.

I have my annual feeling of Deja vu! You are of course correct BSJ!

[RogerT]

At this moment in time Incomers are not my main concern, I'm more interested in whom is being retained. 

Edited September 21, 2025 by RogerT

[9' oller]

Negativity alert!

You've not thought that seemingly pressure Is off with dreaded trap door to pub league a thing of the past?

Recruitment will be equally luke warm. Incentives dont outweigh the expenditure.

It's the taking part that matters. Splutter

[Keep The Faith]

I bet mr Ford has a shopping list longer than his body but he’s not as stupid as he looks he’ll know what he’s been promised by the club… let’s see what happens before slagging anyone off for not spending or paying whatever silly money they wanted off 

Batley have been around for decades up to now so why should kev throw money away for us to go bankrupt… 

2026 will be successful season for ourselves with the new structure we always seem to have two poor years before the roundabout hits the good stop in the life of the club for a few years… we are an established club at this level 

Hopefully the fans who have stayed away for many of years return to watch their so beloved club instead of having a dig in a local establishment or social media… 

[phildog]

Kev already said at the Q&A that the Wakefield DR hadn't worked as he had hoped and perhaps we would have to spend more and run with a bigger squad. It won't all need new money as retired players, not retained etc will free up current cash. If James Ford were to bringing in say 6 players then with the money we're not paying to the above it might only result in say paying 2 new players. I'm sure Kev is already looking at bank accounts, balance sheets and BISSA funds to meet Ford's requirements. After all Kev is a Batley fan and wants what the rest want, a competitive, successful team. The best we can do will be done, some players will be got, some won't. 

[RogerT]

Steady on Phil or you will be accused of being positive lol. 

[Keep The Faith]

5 hours ago, phildog said:

Kev already said at the Q&A that the Wakefield DR hadn't worked as he had hoped and perhaps we would have to spend more and run with a bigger squad. It won't all need new money as retired players, not retained etc will free up current cash. If James Ford were to bringing in say 6 players then with the money we're not paying to the above it might only result in say paying 2 new players. I'm sure Kev is already looking at bank accounts, balance sheets and BISSA funds to meet Ford's requirements. After all Kev is a Batley fan and wants what the rest want, a competitive, successful team. The best we can do will be done, some players will be got, some won't. 

If fordy is bringing 6 players in then we’ll only have 9 so hopefully we have more than enough to bring in new players who want to be the club for the right reasons you just have to look 15 miles east and see what’s happening with the board of directors 

[RogerT]

30 odd miles to the west we have another massive fall out

[phildog]

KTF why can't you take things at face value, I said if and say, guesses, making a point, I didn't say there was fact behind it, simply a what if scenario. What is fact is that Kev did mention all those things at the Q&A and outlined his intention as I mentioned. Maybe Fordy wants 20 players, maybe not, it's simply a speculative argument!!

[phildog]

Hey Roger, you were right!! Positive AND progressive, well suited!!

[phildog]

BTW Rog who's then30 mile west outfit, must have missed that!

[redditchbulldog]

6 hours ago, phildog said:

BTW Rog who's then30 mile west outfit, must have missed that!

Oldham have released 13 players

[Keep The Faith]

1 hour ago, redditchbulldog said:

Oldham have released 13 players

That’s life especially when they’ll be full time next year 

[RogerT]

Salford, nothing wrong at Oldham.

[BullyXL]

Some League 1 clubs splashing the cash around at the moment. Midlands especially, heard they been sniffing round!

[phildog]

Lots leaving Oldham, there'll be a few from York, maybe Fev....

[Indigogo]

1 hour ago, phildog said:

Lots leaving Oldham, there'll be a few from York, maybe Fev....

You would expect there would be players to be picked up from Bulls, York and maybe London if they are promoted. Then there's potential issues at Fev that could result in players becoming available. I think a lot will still be up in the air compared to years gone by, by this point most players would be sorted for a club, even if they were moving on, but with the restructure and clubs moving to full time, i think a lot will be late to the market.

[seen it before]

York are teaming up with newcastle forty man squad whoever doesnt play for york available for newcastle

[RogerT]

4 hours ago, BullyXL said:

Some League 1 clubs splashing the cash around at the moment. Midlands especially, heard they been sniffing round!

Yes I heard that up at the Q&A night, also heard on the presentation night that they have offered a contract to one of our best forwards and that's from a reliable source.

[BullyXL]

1 hour ago, RogerT said:

Yes I heard that up at the Q&A night, also heard on the presentation night that they have offered a contract to one of our best forwards and that's from a reliable source.

Yep heard that it has happened. Also that our most consistent back has been offered double with several clubs too.