Burnham squad taking shape as two arrive at The Gore from Binfield

BURNHAM manager Mark Tallentire believes his new-look squad is shaping up nicely after announcing two new signings for the club this week.

The Blues have completed moves for defender Callum Whitty and midfielder James Suarez, both from Tallentire’s former club, Binfield.

Burnham have also offered new deals to Carl Davies – another ex-Mole – and Lewis Fogarty.

Tallentire, pictured above, is weighing up his options in one or two positions, but he is happy to start the season with the current squad.

He told The Observer: “I’m enjoying it. It’s early days and obviously we’ve still got a lot of players coming in to have a look at us.

“It’s been quite busy but that’s a nice little bonus because people thought we were in a strange league, but far from it.

“All the players are having a good pre-season and I think we’ve got about 13 players signed on now, and there’s more to follow.

“The squad is shaping up well and we’ve still got three weeks before the season begins.

“There are one or two positions where I’m still searching for permanent players but the rest of the squad is shaping up nicely.

“Our squad is probably going to evolve as the season goes on, but for the start I’m more than happy to work with what we’ve got.” He added: “Callum Whitty is a good lad and a good player. He wants to perform at the next level and I know he can do it.

“James Suarez is on holiday at the minute but I’m glad he chose to come to Burnham because he had one or two options.

“He needs to try and play at the next level up and I know that I can get the best out of him, he’s a very good addition.

“It will take a lot of time but we’re developing very well and still have a few more signings to make.

“One or two players have turned up and been exciting which is a surprise really. We’ve had a couple of those this pre-season.” Burnham stepped up the intensity of their summer campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Staines Town at The Gore on Saturday.

Patrick Cox and Luke Wanadio scored either side of half-time for Staines though Tallentire was pleased with The Blues’ performance.

He said: “We lost to an exciting and fabulous Staines side, but it was a very good workout for us regarding our shape.

“In pre-season, there are lots of things to work on with an entirely new side, but I was pleased with two or three performances from certain individuals.

“We made a few adjustments at half-time to make sure we were very organised and didn’t give too much away, and in the second half I think the players equipped themselves very well.” Burnham continue their pre-season with a visit to Harrow Borough this Saturday (3pm ko) and then host Slough Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Tallentire commented: “I look at pre-season as a sort of process. Results don’t matter too much and players work towards getting things like organisation sorted out and ready for August 8.

“We will go and give it our best shot, but I’m not bothered if results don’t go our way as long as I see us moving forward.

“Games are just there to let players find their feet and for managers to work on shape, and we will do that against Harrow Borough and Slough. The main thing is that we are ready for August 8.” Burnham will get the new season under way with a trip to Bristol to face Mangotsfield United on August 8, followed by a home match against North Leigh two days later.