I get that the step up for some of our squad players from National League to top end of League 2 was a bit of a gap, but I also think it was a harder sell to get players in at that time e.g. the promise of a new training ground, but none in place; only just promoted after 5 years in the doldrums, and a couple of unproven PE Teachers in charge stepping into the League for the first time. Once the crowds not only stayed high, but grew, the training facilities started to be built and Frecklington joined Bossy & Eardley on board, we started to have something to sell. We then made the play-offs and won the Checkatrade and the quality of recruits took a step up - Akinde, McCartan, Andrade, O'Connor, Toffolo, & Shackell were all exciting signings that could easily hold their own or progress, above the level they were signing up for. In January it was more of a holding game, but we still added Bolger, Gilks and O'Hara and brought in quality loans in Roberts, Angol and Rowe.
What we are looking at in the summer is more Shackell's and Andrade's. Players that either have the experience and ability to play in the Championship, or unpolished gems from the National League, League 2 or the reserve squads of big clubs. All, of course, subject to budget.
Personally, I think that with what we have and what we will be trying to recruit, we will be in or around the play-offs next season.