DALE’s Joint Manager Phil Male insists that there’s no point in worrying too much about potential signings until the transfer window officially opens on July 1st.

Male, 36, affectionately known as ‘Spiller’, claims that Clubs do take risks when announcing signings before the window opens and that both he and Ross Thorpe are well aware of what the consequences can be.

He said “I see in the paper and on social media that this Club has signed this player, and another has signed somebody else. You can’t officially register any player until July 1st.

“Yes, I accept that in a lot of cases it will turn out that way, but you never know. I’ve seen it happen on many occasions before now, and I won’t allow that to happen to me.

“Am I about to tell the world who I’m talking to about playing for Tividale next season? No.

“That’s not me being awkward, that’s me trying to ensure that other potential suitors don’t get an easy idea into their head.”

The former Sutton Coldfield star paid tribute to the Tividale staff, and claims that both he and Thorpe are delighted with their welcome to the Black Country.

Male added: “We’ve been given such a nice welcome here and that makes life easier to settle into the new environment.”

“I guess that it was always going to be easier for me as I’m from Tividale, but Ross has settled down quickly, I have to say.

“There’s a lot of good work going on behind the scenes here, not just on the field, but off it, too.

“Again, I’m not about to give any details but I’m confident people will be pleased by the time we enter pre-season training at the end of the month.”