DELIGHTED manager Peter Jackson has agreed contracts with Tyrone Thompson, Ian Hughes and Martyn Booty as Town's promising build-up moves into top gear.
Thrilled by last night's 2-0 friendly victory over First Division Sunderland at the McAlpine, Jackson has added three more names to his squad for the August 9 kick-off against Cambridge.
While Steve Yates is still considering two-year terms, Hughes and Booty have agreed 12-month deals while Thompson has given the nod to an initial three-month contract.
With Jon Worthington back in training for the first time today and Jackson targeting more signings, the McAlpine mood couldn't be better.
"The lads are giving me everything and, as a manager, you can't ask for more," said Jackson, who has narrowed the McAlpine pitch by two yards for this season.
"Booty and Hughes have great experience while young Tyrone has a lot of ability and I've never seen anyone more keen to do well in this game.
"All three were itching to sign for us and that's been the attitude of the squad from Day 1.
"I told them this was a fresh start for the whole club. That has been taken on board by everyone and I'm thrilled with the way it's all going.
"The attitude, desire, workrate and commitment has been spot on and the fact we are signing players and winning matches while the club is still in a bit of turmoil and not out of administration speaks volumes for everyone - it's a real team effort all round."
A crowd of 5,144, including 744 from Sunderland, watched Jon Newby and Jon Stead grab the goals and upstage the return of Marcus Stewart to the stadium.
Jackson said of Town's third straight win: "The whole team did well, but you have to say young David Mirfin and Paul Scott at the back were exceptional.
"We were solid and organised, didn't look troubled by a very good opposition and we showed plenty of energy in midfield and movement up front. I was pleased with everyone and it was great to see the strikers among the goals.
"Newby's was good, but you won't see a better header than Stead's all season and I think the fans enjoyed the display overall."
On narrowing the pitch, the manager explained: "I have planned it since I got the job, just to get us tighter to close down the opposition. We are playing 4-4-2, but I think it's better to have a couple of yards off the pitch."
