GAINSBOROUGH Trinity manager Steve Housham is optimistic this season is going to be a happier one for the Lincolnshire club.

Worcester City make the long trip to face Gainsborough today for their opening match in Vanarama National League North (3pm).

Trinity club secretary David Tinsley says the club have added their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation this term.

“Gainsborough have retained most players from last season but added to the squad in all areas — a lack of goals was deemed a problem,” said Tinsley, also the press officer.

“Nathan Jarman has been signed from North Ferriby and Marc Newsham has joined from Boston United, both of whom have good scoring pedigrees at this level.

“In midfield, Jonathan D’Laryea has been re-signed from North Ferriby. Jonathan is a hard working box to box player who is able to stimulate attacking moves as well as breaking up teams as they move forward.” Tinsley says Trinity have bolstered their central defence with the capture of Matty Wilson, motivator for the other players.

Tinsley said: “Steve Housham has been at the club for a number of years and built teams under different circumstances when at certain times money was available and at others when he had to dig deep to use limited resources wisely. He is optimistic that this is going to be a much happier season for him.

“Pre-season games have been affected by a significant number of injuries which meant some games were cancelled but strong showings against Hull City and Sheffield United teams, when all most injuries seems to have been remedied, fills local supporters with optimism for the coming season.”

According to Tinsley, the appointment of Richard Kane as chairman has had a positive impact on the club.

“Richard is someone whose dynamisms starts at 6am in the morning and goes on until late at night,” he said.