MANAGERS NOTES

 

In the first week back, the lads have looked fit and sharp which is testament to the fact that they have kept themselves fit in the close season.

 

We’ve had a hard week physically this week but I have managed to sign three new players – Gary Moran (right back), Matt Blair (midfield/forward) and Joseph Jacob (centre forward), these three signing are massive for us.

 

Gary Moran previously played for me at Solihull Borough. I regard him as probably the best right back in this league and the league above, he’s technical tactically and has great attitude.

Matty Blair we’ve been watching over the season, he’s young and eager to learn. He had a excellent season with Warwick (Racing Club) and I feel coming to Stratford and its environment will make him a better player. He could have signed for two or three other clubs in higher leagues and hopefully this will show that we can attract the right players.

Joseph was at Solihull Moors where he was loaned out to Bromsgrove Rovers where he finished top goalscorer. He’s a target man, is technically very good and works hard and obviously scores goals and again he could have stayed at Bromsgrove and had offers from other clubs. He shares the same ambitions as this club and doesn’t regard this as a step backwards but together with the club a step forward.

These signings show we can attract good quality players and hopefully will help us this season.

I’ve also retained some players from last season; Jack Bryne, Michael Crawford, Micky Love, Jamie Petty, Nick Mowle, Mark Faulds and Loz Rawlings at this moment in time.

Our goalkeeper will be Chris Jay from Halesowen who spent the back end of last season on loan at Southport Swifts.

We play out first game on Saturday against AFC Telford who finished second in the Conference North. This will be a big test for us, as they have signed a lot of quality players over the summer as well. It will give us the first opportunity to see the players in action.

I look forward to seeing a full house on Saturday as we start the new campaign and hope you will give us the same support you did following our return to Stratford at the end of the last season.

4th July