Jim Cooper - Pre-Season Update

Although last season has just finished, both Joynesy and I have been busy meeting with players and organising pre season fixtures and a training schedule.

On the playing front, we are very pleased with the developments regarding new playing personnel however as they will not be on contract I feel that it is not wise to announce any new signings just yet. I also need to speak to many of last seasons players but the squad should be in place very soon.

The pre season games will be a massive test of our ability. We have Hornchurch, Dartford, Billericay, Enfield, Cray Wanderers, Tilbury, Kingstonians, Met Police and finally VCD Athletic. Only two of the nine games are against sides who are at the same level in the pyramid as us, five one level above and two, at National South level.

Why have I organised such a tough pre season fixture list ?
Firstly, I think that anyone who came to see us last season will know that we were very unfit and defensively weak. These fixtures will allow the players to get a lot of game time so that their fitness levels will be high and secondly it will give us plenty of time to work on our defence prior to the season starting. An FA Cup run is also very important to us and as such these games should give us the best opportunity to be ready for these fixtures.

We have an “Ask the manager” evening planned as well so please feel free to attend and ask me what you want and if I don't know I am sure Joynesey or Chris Bourne will know.......

See you all soon

Coops