Belper Town boss Charlie Palmer gave his thoughts on Saturday’s draw at Lincoln United. Mentioning new signings Bradley Wells, Jack O’Brien and also Phil Watt who has penned his future to the club for another year.

“I was pleased because at half-time we had a chat, we needed to make a change, Luke Edwards is not match fit at the moment but Laurence has been in and around the first team so I know he could have done the job.

“I thought they had better possession but we had the better chances, if we had have taken those chances we would not of been in the predicament we were in, we conceded to a very sloppy goal once again.

“The positives are, we are creating chances but we just need to start taking them, so when Brad scored his goal I was pleased for him because he had a couple of chances before that he did not take.

“I have worked with Brad (Wells) before, I know he wants to play down the middle, he can do the job out wide but I did not bring him in to do that.”

Palmer is already looking ahead to next season as continues to build his squad.

“I know what I need within my squad, there is a core players that I want to re-sign. I did it at Long Eaton, I need to start bringing players in who have played in the professional game, who have maybe been unlucky to be released.

“Players who deserve a second chance and players who are hungry to prove they deserve to play at a high level, I have brought Jack (O’Brien) in from Burton Albion, I could have gone and brought another experienced centre-half in but they might have come for the wrong reasons, financially."

Jack O’Brien has joined the Nailers on-loan from Burton Albion’s academy, he played the full ninety minutes and scored on his Belper Town debut. Palmer had this to say.

“He came in and did really well on Saturday, he enjoyed it but there is still a lot to work on, I know he is someone who will buy into what I am looking for. If he applies himself right, he will keep the shirt but if he is struggling he will spend time on the bench.

“Jack is a good footballer, he just needs to beef up a bit but that will come with time. With Brad (Wells), on his day he is unstoppable but on a bad day he is frustrating.

“I did not want to take another player from Long Eaton because I do know other players, but after missing out on Will Dennis I thought I had to get Brad in because he knows all about me.”

Another mention there for Saturday’s goal scoring hero, Bradley Wells. Sam Dockwray has also signed for the Nailers but was an unused substitute against Lincoln United.

“Sam Dockwray was recommended to me by Evan Garnett, he told me he is playing at Rainworth and is dying to move to a club like Belper, he has been training with us for a few weeks now and would have got some minutes on Saturday in different circumstances.”

With Phil Watt signing a contract for next season, Palmer stated how important it is to keep hold of your best players.

“I am now in the process of building a team for next season, I think highly of Watty (Phil Watt) so I have worked with the chairman to secure him for next season.

“Jonathan Williams has also agreed to stay, I will also be talking to Stevo (Rob Stevenson) and Danny (Haystead) about playing for Belper next season.

“These are all key players as well as Steady (Alex Steadman) and Gravesy (Eric Graves), it is so important to keep hold of your best players.”

The Nailers host Romulus on Tuesday at The Marston’s Stadium, Palmer gave his thoughts.

“Romulus are in a good position and are fighting to get into the play-offs, it will be another tough game. The result against Lincoln is only a good one if we build on it against Romulus. We are looking for a positive performance and result.”

With the Derbyshire Senior Cup final venue being announced at Ilkeston FC’s New Manor Ground, the Nailers boss was not happy with the decision.

“I am disappointed for the lads, being an ex-player and playing at some big grounds and the excitement that comes with that.

“The Derbyshire Senior Cup is great chance to play at your Chesterfield’s or your Derby County’s but to be told at the last minute you are playing at Ilkeston, I really am gutted for the players.

“We were told Chesterfield or Derby but the decision has been made, we have got to put our disappointments to one side and focus on the game and try and get a result on the day.”