News

As you will be aware, there have been a few changes in personnel regarding the 1st team squad but Simon and I have also been busy in bringing in players to improve the Reserve team squad.

Forward Mickey Sandar has returned to the club after a season not really doing much. He has got his head down during pre season and just wants to play in the Reserves and see what happens. We had not hesitation in having him back as he is still only 21 and has a good attitude to hard work. Danny Tyres is also a player from the past although he featured mainly for the youth team and had few appearances for the Reserves. He is back from University now where he has been playing for Basingstoke Town during his placement year. Danny is a versatile Midfield player who on his day would hold his own in the 1st team set up.

Young Left Back Nathan Tate is still eligible for the Youth team but after a good preseason, the former Sheffield United academy player has proved he is more than capable of holding his own at this level and indeed higher. He had a taste of 1st team action during the pre season game against Stockport and without doubt has been one of the stars of the Reserve team pre-season games. He is definitely one to watch for the future. Former Youth team player Mat Brown has also joined the Reserve team squad from Burton. Mat is a skilful lad who can play in midfield and upfront.

These new additions will increase the competition for places in the team and we firmly believe that compared to this time last season, the squad is far stronger. Testament to that fact is that at the start of last season we had 1 player in our squad with any 1st team experience. At the same stage this season, we have 11 players who have at some stage been involved in 1st team affairs.

We got our season off to a great start on Saturday with a 6-0 home victory over Bedworth United. Simon and I were very pleased with the manner of our victory and we are looking for more of the same tonight from our visit to Chasetown. However, we are trying to ensure that the lads don’t get carried away as we will come up against some far better sides during the course of the season. Mickey Sandar blasted 4 goals and there was one from Carl Timms as well Ryan Yearsley. Jon Jenkinson although not on the scoresheet had an excellent game and deserved a goal. Earl Alexander and Nathan Tate look to be forming an exciting partnership down the left hand side and Matt Moran looked back to his form of last season after injury.

Gary Norton