Having completed your pre-season preparations, how do you feel the team is coming together?
I've been pleased with pre-season. A couple of the new lads have come in and shown great potential, obviously we have a bigger squad this year and the goal has got to be to push on with the big boys. We still have a lot to do in terms of gelling as a team as there are a lot of new faces. It's a shame we had the V-festival break, but thats football these days. We have only had one training session to prepare for fixtures, but thats the schedule and its no different for anyone else.
There have been several departures from the club during close-season. Who do you believe your side will miss the presence of most?
Well, we'll miss 'em all. Every player that has left will be sorely missed as they are all mustard players that have left, they really are.
You have adjudged the abilities of several trialists during pre-season. Who have you brought in to replace those that have left the club?
Well, as you know we've signed a few mustard players. Sammo's come over and done good. We looked at a couple of attacking options and were lucky enough to bring over Si (Simon Rowland) and Sj (Steve Johnson) who will cause big problems. Jim (Holmwood) will sure up the back, and(we've had) fantastic news recently of two more brothers keeping the family vibe of the club strong, with little Wils (James Wilson) and Chrissy, and when you add Streety (Sam Street), Big Phil (Phil Joseph) and Locky you could definitely say we've been busy this year! Just glad its over, my phone ain't stopped ringing!
You gained a notable victory against hotly-tipped Brush last Sunday. What affect has the win had on the players?
Oh no, we dont read too much into those games. Obviously (it was a) cracking result against a very good side, but we are already starting preperations for Leigh away on sunday and im sure the lads have already moved on from that. Don't get me wrong, (we are) really pleased, but focusing on the task in hand now.
The Sceptre Sunday League Premier Division campaign gets underway this Sunday. What expectations do you have for your side this season?
Well, the board and the fans have got big aspirations as they always do. I expect nothing else from the garvary fans and to be fair to them they deserve success. It's amazing when the fans get behind us like they do, and im just hoping we can do them proud this year and give them something to shout about.
Who do you believe will be your strongest competitors in your quest for silverware?
The league (Sceptre Sunday League Premier Division) is going to be extremely tough this season. That's the beauty of the Sceptre Prem, there are no easy games. We are just going to take each game as it comes, and if we are up there with the likes of Talwin come february, maybe we can start looking at silverware, otherwise the lads have got their feet firmly on the ground. I think Leigh (United) will be strong this year, so it's going to be interesting (this) Sunday to see how the game pans out.
Your season kicks off away at title-favourites Leigh United. What do you hope to come away with from the game?
Like I said they're a mustard side, proper Coleman's from what I've heard. But, we wont go into any game this season looking for anything but three points, otherwise you might aswell not bother. It's too early in the season to talk about taking draws as we dont really know how the season will go.
Influential midfielder Michael Gerrard has picked up a serious ankle injury. Can you reveal the extent of the damage and how long do you expect him to be on the sidelines for?
Yeah G (Michael Gerrard) is a silly sausage. He always has been. Great lad, but unfortunately he has done himself a mischief with this one. I've been told to expect him out for 10-12 weeks so (it is a) a real blow, but like I said we (have) got strength in depth so we're all just hoping for a speedy recovery.
I understand the injury was sustained during the team’s pre-season bonding session and was a result of excessive alcoholic intake. How much does the apparent lack of discipline frustrate you as a manager?
I'd rather not talk too much about that. You can't believe everything you read. It was a controlled environment which a couple of the lads took advantage of. I don't blame them for that, so its something internal that we will deal with and if I say anything else it's not really fair.
Stewart Moore is also recovering from injury. How close is he to a return to first team action?
Stewie is looking at another six weeks so I'm told, and we've had recent news that SJ (Steve Johnson) has taken a knock, which is another hammer blow. But (it) keeps the medical staff in a job I guess.
What affect will these losses have on the creativity of the side?
Oh we're not too worried about that. Obviously (having) both players, or indeed any player, on the sidelines is going to be disruptive, but it's football and you have just got to deal with it and move on. We have brought the players to fill the positions, and and we are just looking forward to getting under way. Thanks for your time Mark.
Lastly, what will your message be to the players before this weekend’s vital opening game of the season?
Away game this sunday meet at Blenheim Park at half 9, dont forget £5 subs. Text back if you cant make it! Ha ha! No seriously, I won't need to say too much to the lads.We're all itching to get under way so it will be a question of asking each player to hit the ground running and start the season as we mean to go on.
Thanks again Mark, thanks very much.
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