‘i’m in No rush to replace kendall’

Speaking to the Standard this week, the Gainsborough Trinity boss lamented the front man’s exit and insisted he wants players at the club who are motivated by ambition – not cash.

Kendall is dropping down a division to play in the Evo-Stik Premier with North Ferriby United next season and his former boss is less than pleased.

On his Twitter page Kendall, based in Hull, cited personal reasons and said he needed to be based closer to home.

But Housham said: “I’m disappointed really, it’s his decision but if we had offered him what he wanted I think he would have stayed.”

“But money talks for some players, and he got offered a better deal at a club at a lower level, which surprised me.”

“The move surprised me.”

“We left on good terms but I believe he has gone there for the money,” he added.

While supporters may be keen to see the goalscorer replaced as soon as possible, Housham is happy to bide his time.

He said: “We’re still looking around, we’ve got players coming down that we need to look at.”

“We’re not going to be rushed into anything, we want people you want to play here, not just coming here for the money.”

“We’re an ambitious club and we want to go forward with players who fit the shirt, fit the ambitions.”

The former Brigg manager is concerned by the level of spending in the league below the Conference North, and says there are better ways to build a squad.

“There are three or four clubs trying to buy their way out of the league and it doesn’t always work,” he said.

“Football clubs go a long way with team spirit and that’s what my management career has been about, getting a good spirit in the camp, getting them to enjoy their football.”

“Money is good but if you love football you would do it for nothing.”

Gainsborough Trinity’s pre-season is entering the second week, with their first game of the summer this Saturday at Bottesford Town, before a trip to Cleethorpes Town on Tuesday.

Housham is delighted with the progress his men have made in training this far.

He told the Standard: “They’ve knucked down, the spirit is good and they’re getting ready for games.”

“The fitness levels are higher than what I thought they’d be. We’ve got a lot of games coming that will get them even fitter.”

“I believe games are a lot better than running around a field.”

“It’s been a tough week for them and they’re wanting to see a football.”

“The hardest part of football life is pre-season but it’s got to be done.”

Goalkeeper Phil Barnes has left the club to sign for Alfreton in the Conference Premier. Wishing him well, Trinity chairman Peter Swann said: “This is a great opportunity for Barnsey to play at a higher level and he was out of contract with us anyway.”

“He has been probably one of the best keepers in non league football and a credit to Trinity.”

l PRICES on the gate at Bottesford for Saturday’s friendly fixture are £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

A number of Gainsborough youngsters currently feature for the NCEL Division One outfit.