THOUGHTS FROM THE DUGOUT

Good afternoon, and welcome back to Rakesmoor Lane for our first fixture of the 2023/24 campaign against FC St Helens.

It’s that time again after what feels like a shorter break every year nowadays, but great to be at home for the first game of the season and see everyone back up the club enjoying themselves!

We’re all thrilled to get going on the 23/24 NWCFL campaign today. As much as people believe pre-season is a break, the time spent on planning, training and ensuring everything is in place shouldn’t be underestimated. As a management team, a lot of it is tested today.

Despite all efforts, pre-season has been frustrating, holidays at the wrong times, several injuries and today carrying suspensions over from last season; I think our preparation could have been better.

Unfortunately, we have lost Reidy to a severe knee injury. I cannot state how significant a loss that is to us as a group; hopefully, we can welcome Tommy, Joely, and Amo back shortly for what will be a tough August with nine fixtures.

We come into today’s match after two positive performances and results against Lancaster City FC and Cleator Moor Celtic FC. We will look to continue that and get off to a positive start against a tough opposition who were unfortunate to miss out on promotion by the narrowest of margins, similar to ourselves in 21/22. Hence, we know how much they will be hurting and want to go one step better this year.

Let’s enjoy the 2023/24 NWCFL campaign.

KEV WATKIN