ROSS Jenkins says he will continue to add to his Oxford City squad if it’s the right thing for the club.
The Hoops head coach prefers to work with a tight-knit group of players, however minor injuries and fitness concerns have forced his hand in recent weeks.
Jenkins has dipped into the free agent and loan market, to bring in Renny Smith, Mitchell Roberts and Rafferty Pedder.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal youth player Smith was added to the City squad on September 26, while Roberts and Pedder were sealed on October 7.
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Smith has played in Italy and the Netherlands, with the midfielder most recently at Austrian top flight side WSG Tirol.
Versatile defender Roberts was released by Birmingham City in the summer, and enjoyed loan spells with Oldham Athletic and Solihull Moors last season, with midfielder Pedder arriving on loan from Queens Park Rangers.
Jenkins said: “Hopefully we can keep getting recruitment things on the right path and maybe add another player here and there if we need to.
“It takes a long time to recruit because you’ve got to look at the characters, but so far we’ve brought in some really good characters and they’ve really added to the team.”
Asked about what area of the market he would look to use if he was to add another player to the Hoops squad, Jenkins responded: “It’s a tough one in terms of new players, signings, loans and free players.
“We have to find the balance of the team first. We need to look at what we actually need and not just bring bodies in for bodies’ sake.
“I don’t like having a massive squad, although sometimes it does help.
“It has pros and cons, but throughout the whole season, I don’t really like the idea of boys missing out on football.
“If we can have a fit squad all the time and just have the subs, then brilliant, but we’re going to have to have one or two extra because the league is so demanding.
“This year, we’ve had a lot more niggles than we anticipated so extra bodies coming in is not threatening anyone – it’s to help Oxford City, help the team and help the players.
“Once we’re back to full fitness, that then becomes my headache.
“The loan market is attractive for us because of the finances attached to it, and there are some really good youngsters out there.”
Following their Emirates FA Cup exit in midweek, City return to Vanarama National League action with a trip to fifth-placed Bromley tomorrow afternoon. The Ravens have lost just once in their last 13 league games.
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