HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?
The League campaign drifted into insignificance as we progressed to the FA Trophy semi finals before losing in a shoot-out. Many (myself not included) City fans had high hopes for the season in Conference South and were upset at our eventual 14th place finish, I'd expected mid-table so 14th was about par for me considering our disastrous start and Trophy run taking priority. It was a bit of a transitional season really after a number of additions last summer. A lot of the squad have remained for this season, the Trophy run will have strengthened the team's bond and hopefully provided the younger players with the hunger to push on this year.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
So far, very. Kevin Nicholson is a player we've been crying out for, his professionalism will be valuable to our young squad. He looks to have a great engine on him even at 34, his delivery from the left is consistently excellent and will add another dimension to our attack when he gets forward from full back. Jon Davies from Paulton Rovers also looks a very good acquisition, dangerous with the ball at his feet and comfortable anywhere across the midfield. Steve Phillips in goal could prove another key signing, an experienced ex-pro with hundreds of Football League games under his belt. Teenage centre half Luke Matthews has also shown enough promise on trial in pre-season to warrant a contract and has now been signed on.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
A quality, experienced, strong centre half with a leader's mentality is definitely still required. They're few and far between at this level though so I don't expect much movement in that department for the foreseeable.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
The opening game! Wealdstone at home today, easily the most fun we had with an opposing set of supporters last season, home and away. Looking forward to it massively. Oxford City away as it's a ground many of us won't have been too, it's relatively local as well considering we have to go to London and beyond almost every other week in this division. Truro City away for New Year should also be highlight.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
Because of the seemingly high expenditure on players over the past couple of summers, Sutton United should be there or thereabouts. They've also signed Ross Stearn from us so I'd like to see them do well. Ebbsfleet, Havant, Maidstone, Margate, all big budget clubs that will also challenge. My pick to take the title though this season though is Whitehawk. Again, big spenders, and were it not for their slow start they'd have been challenging Bromley and Boreham Wood last time around. Also looked excellent when they won 4-1 at Twerton Park last season.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
I have a feeling Nick McCootie could make a big impact this season if he can stay fit. Hamstring issues have plagued his first season with us, but he's a big strong centre forward and deceptively quick over the first five yards, I'm hoping he blossoms in 2015-16. Andy Watkins is due a good year, a really good player but seemed pretty reserved and short of confidence at times in 14-15. Chas Hemmings in midfield shouldn't be underestimated despite his lumbering appearance, we don't call him 'Chas Pirlo' for nothing.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
It really depends on how we start the season, but sadly we're notoriously bad out of the blocks. We begin at home for the first time in seven years so hopefully that'll help us in that regard, although the last time we opened at home we were thumped 4-0 by Welling United! My prediction would be anywhere between 6th and 10th, I'd be absolutely delighted if we managed to scrape into the play-offs.
No comments:
Post a Comment