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 We embark on what should be another very interesting season coming up, and it will be interesting to see how we as a club will adapt to the major changes that have happened over the summer.
Firstly on my own position, Mark Faber will now manage the side with the rest of the management team still in place, I have decided to step down or step up whatever you want to call it to the Chairman’s position at the club.
It is a big task ahead for Mark as he attempts to continue the success the club has had over many years, and one that few would fancy, but he has done a great job as my assistant over the past couple of years and fully deserves the opportunity to lead the team.
There has been a few changes as some players move on and some come in, but that is normal at the end of every season. One thing for sure is we have a good squad again with some very good players who can do well providing the attitude is right.
Robbie Boal has played his last game for the club after 14 fantastic years with us, it is a sad time for both Robbie and me. The lad has been a major part of all our success over these past 14 years, as he has skippered the side and has been first name on the team sheet from day one.
He leaves the right way and in the right manner, which is what I expected off a fantastic servant like Robbie. He will not be forgotten at this club and we wish him all the best at his new team Fleetwood Gym who are getting a true warrior. They have also got Sean Slater from us who will manage the team, Sean was only with us for one season but left his mark as he not only is a superb footballer, but also one of the funniest lads to have around, all the very best to both you lads.
I have noticed that a few of our our main rivals have recruited heavily in the close season, this will make for a very competitive season ahead. That is great news for everyone, our biggest loss was Chris Morris returning to Poulton, which is a massive boost for them alongside the capture of Devvy midfielder Danny Whittaker. I’m sure Poulton will fancy their chances of finally getting hold of the coveted Premier Division crown.
The biggest news was the Dunes/Devvy Arms tie up, the second year in a row that Devvy has swallowed up a fellow Prem side after taking Layton last season. They have now plenty of top quality players in their ranks and in reality should have a great chance of challenging for honours this season, only mismanagement from serial mis-manager Danny Rossi can stop them.
Northern Care have also picked up some more than useful players and should do well, their only concern is that they constantly start well but fall away as the season progresses as indiscipline takes its toll with suspensions a major concern.
Blackpool Rangers can also expect to feature in the top teams, however whether they have the squad to maintain a strong title challenge remains to be seen, especially having lost top striker Marc Beattie to us.
On the new signings front, Marc is an excellent addition to our team, that is providing he can overcome a niggling back problem that is keeping him from playing at the moment. We managed to pick up Paul Dickinson from Wrea Green along with their excellent young keeper Aidan Ward-Smith who will compete with Smithy for the number one jersey.
Brian Manchester has been tempted out of semi-retirement and is a class addition and Sam Gorrie’s return to permanent action as his University football commitment switches to midweek is a real bonus. We are also hoping for good news on striker Lee Broadbent as his second stint on “holiday” hopefully will end in the next week or so, it would be great to have back a player of his stature.
Finally due to Fleetwood pulling out of Collins Park and the pitch not having the correct work done over the summer, we will be playing our first few home games at Wrens Rovers FC, we will hopefully be back at CP by early September by which time the pitch should be in decent condition. |
