It has been a busy couple of months preparing for our start on 8th August but generally I have been very happy in what has happened over pre-season. Being my first as a manager I knew it would be pret- ty much full on and I haven't been disap- pointed. My first and most important task was to try and keep the squad together from last season who - since I took other – have been nothing less than exceptional in terms of form and attitude to want to win and improve. Fortunately the majority have decided to stay with just a few deciding their future was elsewhere, which I had no problems about and wished them well.
Within the current squad a couple of players were offered the opportunity to play higher but thankfully they have seen the potential in the squad. Hopefully that is something me and Glen can take a big pos- itive from as we are two people who want to play the game the right way and give the players a chance to improve and maybe go on and have good careers - which we were fortunate enough to have. Between myself, Andy and Dave we have been sort- ing through endless emails for potential signings. However, player recruitment has been quite difficult as I need to make sure we were getting the right players in to fit into the squad and have the right attitude.
I have quickly learned that one day a play- er will say yes I'm coming then - just as you think it's sorted – will change their mind. This is very frustrating at this level as we could have pursued other options. In terms of the current squad and the new lads who have come in, I feel we are not too far away from being serious contenders for the league this year.
Without looking into pre-season results too much I have been excited by how we have played and against Conference South sides - we have certainly been the dominant team. Other than the Tilbury game which was a disappointing performance (but which I learned a lot from) against our local rivals we have played some excel- lent football. I feel we are still a couple of players away at the moment so still some work to do but the spine of the squad is looking very competitive and we will see next weekend how far we have come when we play our nemesis from last season Hendon.
All in all I feel we are set for a really pos- itive season and quietly confident that this squad can bring success back to this club which would be fantastic in its 125th year. Your support of course will be vital and I look forward to you being on the journey with us.