John Ward will be disappointed, but seems determined to keep trying to convince the players that are still available. Some fans are speculating that Ward may be trying to pursuade PNE & Northern Ireland striker Andy Smith to join the robins, the player is still under contract for a couple of years, so may be a loan signing prospect. The name of his Northern Ireland compatriot James Quinn has also been put forward.
The failure to secure Boulding or Tipton will cause unease amongst many robins fans as the new season draws ever closer.