Scarborough Athletic boss Darren Kelly undeterred after prospective signings fall through

Speaking on the SN Sport Extra Time Podcast, Kelly admitted he had hoped two new signings would be announced imminently - only for the players to decide to stay with their current clubs at the 11th hour.

“This is the big challenge of it, I’d discussed things with and agreed things with players, but they’ve then gone back to their current club and decided to stay there,” admitted Kelly.

“The best way to describe it is that you go fishing, catch a big salmon and then you lose it at the last second and it’s very frustrating.

“I’m still motivated by it all, they would have been fantastic players for the club but as I have said over and over, we have a lot more players to go to and try to take this club to the next level.

“It’s never going to be a case of putting this club in jeopardy, the deal has to be right for both the club and the player.

“They’ve made their decision and we have already moved on.”

Kelly remains hopeful on at least one signing, with more to follow as he looks to build his squad for the 2021/22 campaign.

“There’s one I have pretty much agreed things with, it’s just a case of getting their signature down on that piece of paper before it’s over the line.

“Unless you have that signature things can all change.”

Kelly was also quick to urge fans who have become disillusioned with following clubs from the upper echelons of English football, in particular the heavily chastised six who signed up to the ultimately doomed European Super League.

Kelly added: “I’ll always say it - football is all about your supporters.

“If there was ever an opportunity for clubs like Scarborough Athletic to capitalise and attract more fans, it is now.

“The likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, they have shown their true colours and if there’s a lesson to be learned through all this, is that the average fan means nothing to these wealthy owners.

“I’m hoping a lot of fans will boycott these big clubs and on the back of it people will support their local team.”