Chairman Kelvin Thomas says the work the club did last summer has given them a strong platform to build on ahead of the 2022/23 season.
A number of key players were tied up on two year contracts in 2021, meaning the squad had a core of players already in place and an excellent platform upon which to build ahead of this summer's ongoing recruitment.
“We had a good core group of players to build on this summer and that was what we wanted when we planned last summer," he said.
“We weren’t able to secure Fraser Horsfall and Liam Roberts but that was understandable with the offers they got and we really do wish them both well. Liam backed himself and would only ever sign for one season despite our best efforts but we accepted that and Fraser got a great offer from a club closer to home so we understand that too.
“Keeping Shaun McWilliams was important and overall if you look at the core of the team it was good that we were able to build off that platform we had created.
“Colin Calderwood has been very involved in driving the recruitment since Martin Foyle left and it is a group effort but Jon Brady does have the final say.
“Jon spends a lot of time looking at the players and going through the stats. He is extremely thorough with the work he does but that can take time. That can be frustrating for some supporters who are panicking in early June but Jon likes to take his time and I don't think anyone can argue with that.
“On paper we’ve signed some very good players and hopefully they will be as good on the pitch.
“There have been some encouraging early signs and you can’t forget that with the player pathway we have set up here there are players coming through as well.
“Some of those young players may not make an impact in the first team this season but if you look at what Shaun has done the opportunity is there for them to develop in the years to come."