Head Coach on how new recruits must buy into club's development philosophy
Dermot Drummy says he has a long-term philosophy for the development of the playing side and insists that new arrivals this summer must recognise that and embrace it.
It has been a busy pre-season so far for the new Head Coach, with three new players arriving so far, but Dermot is also looking at the long term as well.
“There is going to be a solid infrastructure at the club and we will have values and a way of working which everyone must buy into," he explained.
"I look at five areas – tactical, technical, physical, mentality and lifestyle.
“You break down each area; you don’t just look at players on the pitch.
“That goes with the staff too, we’re trying to improve all departments of the football side so it’s as professionally a run club as possible.
“I want to take it to a new level –and how we deal with everything surrounding the football side will help us to achieve that."
Among the new faces have been arrivals from both abroad and closer to home – a policy Dermot revealed would continue as the recruitment ahead of the new season is stepped up.
"Bringing in a player is a long process and you need to know the character of the player so I’m trying to be selective to get the right individuals at the club," he added.
“There are a couple of players on the horizon from abroad who will be of a high standard. But we need to make sure they want to come here and showcase themselves in England.
“I want a balance, ideally a core of English players with a foreign influx - that’s my model."
Dermot says he will also look to utilise the loan market, a criteria which changes next season with loan signings only able to be made during transfer windows, bringing an end to emergency loans.
“If there’s someone at a bigger club who is looking to drop down the divisions (on loan), then the intensity of this league means they have to be mentally strong," he said.
“I will also need to talk to managers to assess whether a player we like is ready to make the step up from youth football and Under-21 level.”
