But the Robins boss is giving nothing away. All three need international clearance and while two are from clubs in Britain, the third is from farther afield. They may make into the side for the opening home clash with Nuneaton, but Banim feels it’s unlikely.
“I think something drastic would have to happen in the next few hours to have them tomorrow (Saturday), because I understand there’s a five-day backlog,” Banim explained.
Goalkeeper Dave Carnell will miss the game because of an injured knee and Achilles tendon, which means Josh Ollerenshaw starts in goal. Carnell is expected to be out for at least two weeks.
Banim is the first to admit that the Robins have failed to impress in their friendlies, but he believes they can confound the pundits and survive in a division that contains plenty of big-spending ex-Football League clubs. It’s a huge challenge, but one that he relishes.
He commented: “It’s going to be difficult and no one is giving us a chance. We’re favourites to be bottom. That means there’ll be no pressure on us from the board or the fans, so we’ll have to make it come from within.
“We need to create our own siege mentality so that we can go out and prove a few people wrong. I’ve signed some good-quality footballers who are capable of playing at this level and kept the core of those who did well last year.
“Some people are saying I’m worried about what lies ahead but that’s not true. What I am is excited. I’m looking forward to the derbies against FC United and Curzon and to meeting the big boys. I’ve had enough of pre-season and now I want to get on to the real thing.
“We’re not the finished article by any means — we’re a work in progress — but if people think back to last year they’ll see how we evolved over the course of the campaign, especially in terms of our results at the end.
“What we need to do is get some points on the board in the first few games and give ourselves a bit of confidence.”
SIGNINGS
Bohan Dixon (midfielder) Stockport County
Craig Hobson (striker) Aberystwyth
Matt Regan (defender) Curzon Ashton
Scott Sephton (midfielder) Trafford
FRIENDLIES
Oldham Athletic H 1-3
Macclesfield Town H 1-5
Runcorn Linnets A 3-2
Trafford A 0-3
Droylsden A 2-1