Roma signs on for Housham and the fans

Gainsborough Trinity FC v Doncaster Rovers FC. Pictured is Dom Roma G120808-1a

Gainsborough’s ‘Iron Man’ who played over 50 games last season at full-back, was one of the first to commit to the 2013/14 campaign on the Northolme, despite a reduced offer from the club.

He told the Standard: “Housh spoke to us after the last game of the season and offered us all contracts on reduced terms.”

“It was a case of deciding if we could do it, everyone had their own individual cases.”

FA Trophy 3rd round. Gainsborough Trinity v Tamworth. Trinity player Dominic Roma G130112-n

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Housh and I enjoy it down there, I enjoy playing for him.”

“And the fans are brilliant, they don’t get straight on your back if you have a bad game or if you give the ball away, they’re quite supportive.”

“I got on well with them and could always have a bit of a chat in the Blues Club after the game.”

Roma, 27, believes the quality of the players already signed is an encouraging sign for Gainsborough’s chances in the Conference North next season.

“I’ve spoken to a few of the lads and unless you were going to a North Ferriby or a Harrogate, you’re not going to get the same money were getting here in the last two years.”

“The money that Gainsborough is offering is the same as anywhere else in the league and if you enjoy it you want to come back.”

“People want to come back and play for the club, and do well again.”

“To see the likes of Barnsey (Phil Barnes, goalkeeper), Ryan (Williams, midfielder), Stampy (Darryn Stamp, striker) and Greg (Young, defender) signing on again is encouraging.”

Although Blues fans will be bouyed by the spine of the squad agreeing terms for next season, Roma is under no illusions that things will be different from the Peter Swann era.

“We’re not going to have a squad of 21 players like we did,” he said.

“But if we’ve got 13 or 14 lads who are experienced at this level and a few loan deals from league clubs then we could have a good squad.”

And he’s already started to get back in shape, ahead of pre-season training at the end of June.

The Sheffield PE teacher revealed: “I always have two weeks off to let my body recover, especially after playing a lot of games, and then I have three or four weeks getting back into the gym and out running, preparing for the beasting in pre-season.”