"We've heard that it is going to be this week, last week, tomorrow. We have been in administration for longer than any other club ever has been. It has been going on for far too long and, in my opinion, it is a diabolical situation. Ideally, I would like to put together a team that is capable of getting into the top half of the table. If we can get into the top half, I would be happy. If we can bring a few more players in, we could have a reasonable season. But for now, everything is still ifs, buts and maybes."
When asked how close he is to building a squad that can challenge for honours in Division 2, Dearden replied:
"I am not close at all. How can I say I am close to building a squad that is capable of challenging when we still don't know who is going to be in it?
|
At the moment we have 14 players signed up, including three keepers. We have four others who we have agreed to sign, but can't until everything is sorted out. At the moment, we just don't know who is going to be in the squad by the time we kick-off."
Dearden also says the financial restraints have stopped him doing his job;
"It has stopped me doing my job. A manager's job is about buying and selling players, about building a squad, and I haven't been able to do that.
But it isn't just me that has been affected by all of this.
The supporters, the staff the players, everyone involved with the club has been influenced by it. I think enough is enough, it is time it was sorted out. It would have been enough to persuade some people to walk out."
He also admits he's still not decided on his first Xl;
"To be honest, it was probably something close to the one that played against Stoke.
Paul Bolland and Paul Heffernan are both struggling with slight strains and may not be back against Antwerp tonight.
And we left Darren Caskey out on Tuesday because he is suspended for the first two games of the season and we need to get the team right for the trip to Bristol City.
I haven't completely decided yet, but I do have a rough idea. Everyone is likely to get their chance, simply because of the size of the squad."
The complete interview will be in tonights Evening Post.