Hucknall Town Pre-match News
Gresley Rovers travel to Hucknall Town this weekend for the first game of new manager James Jepson's reign. The team is buoyed by last weekend's 3-2 victory against Heanor Town, their first league win in 5 games, which attracted a season-high crowd of 365 spectators.
The entertaining match marked the final fixture under the interim stewardship of Paul Tomlinson and Gary Norton with Jepson being announced as the club's new manager just an hour after the final whistle, ushering in a new era for Gresley Rovers.A week into his tenure, Jepson is eagerly anticipating his managerial debut with the team. "It's been a positive week despite the bad weather," Jepson said. "As a new management team, myself and Marc [Goodfellow] have been working to implement changes that will benefit the team."
Jepson, who ironically transferred from Hucknall Town to join Gresley as a player 12 years ago, acknowledges the challenge ahead. "Hucknall are now managed by Tris Whitman, an excellent manager and person. Both sides are coming off much-needed victories, so we'll give them the respect they deserve while focusing on our strengths."
The new manager has made limited but necessary changes to the squad due to injuries. Two young players have been brought in: 18-year-old right-back Oscar McClure from Shepshed Dynamo and 17-year-old forward Micah Tomlin, son of former Middlesbrough and Cardiff City striker Lee Tomlin. Jepson previously worked with the younger Tomlin at Basford United, where he made several Northern Premier League appearances last season.
Jepson emphasizes a measured approach to recruitment: "The wrong thing to do is bring in huge numbers of players and continue the ever-changing squads from week to week and season to season. I'll add to the squad, when necessary, but only if it helps the team immediately or benefits the club in future seasons."
He expresses confidence in the current squad, noting that the return of injured players will further strengthen the team. Jepson also highlighted the importance of fan support: "I'm looking forward to seeing our supporters travel in numbers and back the lads. This club is built around its supporters and the community, something both Marc and I understand and embrace."
As Gresley Rovers embark on this new chapter under Jepson's leadership, fans will be eager to see if the team can build on last weekend’s impressive win and start to climb the league table.
