Hughes is full of poop. He's scrapped the academy supposedly to focus on gaining grading points. The side being assembled isn't looking like it's going to gain much more in terms of performance points than we would in the Championship. Added to that, while we'll get more away fans next season, we won't build the home crowd with a side that is uncompetitive.

So the Reserves are moving to RP alongside the first team. Feels like a reasonably positive step following the Academy announcement. Sounds like we have been able to keep hold of a majority of last seasons Academy team too, although I assume by that the club means the older age group players.

Beginning to look like rumours about Maloudi are true. The pluses are he’s a real X factor player and appears to be a popular guy. The downside is he is inconsistent and it’s suggested has put on a couple of pounds. Could be a good buy for us but another who hasn’t been plying their trade in the SL recently. We really are taking a high risk approach to SL success. All will be revealed in the opening games of the season whether it’s a good or bad risk.

Maloudi has signed, joining us subject to gaining a visa.

While agree with the concern particularly as its SL rather than Chump league, Whare and Norman were both in French leagues so possible to readapt. And can see Eccles giving him a very clear diet and exercise plan to get him match fit. But yes a risk.

Good points, if anyone can get him fit and firing it will be Mike. I like the signing. Gives us a bit of "x-factor" and SL experience.

Hakim Miloudi confirmed subject to visa.

Squad numbers announced. Thought it was 1st April when I got to the end of the list.

1. Alex Walker
3. Jarred Bassett
4. Hakim Miloudi
5. Iliess Macani
7. James Meadows
8. Rob Butler
9. Sam Davis
10. Lewis Bienek
11. Will Lovell
12. Ethan Natoli
13. Dean Parata
14. Bill Leyland
15. Marcus Stock
16. Jordan Williams
17. Sadiq Adebiyi
18. Emmanuel Waine
19. Rhys Kennedy
20. Oli Leyland
21. Robbie Storey
22. Gideon Boafo
23. Josh Rourke
24. Matt Davies
25. Harry Stevens
26. Jensen Monk
27. Dan Hoyes
28. Jack Hughes

A couple of notable gaps in the early numbers.

You can feel SL quivering with fear already. In the unlikely event of Jack Hughes (Hughes Junior?) taking the pitch, would that be the first time a club owner has played in SL?

Is that the official announcement that Dalton Grant and Rian Horsman have departed ... or have I missed that ?

Some sort of tax dodge ?