Kelsey, a Gloucester City fan, is hoping the club can improve on last season. Here we discussed with him the club's prospects for 2015/16.
I knew it would be a difficult season due to the strength of the division; there were a lot of teams spending a lot of money last year and I know it’s the case this year, too. Last season was disappointing because we all knew we should never have been embroiled in a relegation scrap with the players we had assembled but it is what it is. Fortunately we really kicked on towards the end of the season and secured our safety for another year. We need to build on that for this year and press on both on and off the field.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Personally I think this is the best squad we have ever had at this level and with the addition of Jasbir Singh we have possibly the best goalkeeper in the league. He is very experienced at this level and having a settled goalkeeper, something we lacked last season, will be a calming influence for the defence. We've also signed Obi Anoruo who scored 19 goals last season for eventually relegated Colwyn Bay. He was the Seagulls top scorer and was well up there in the Conference North goalscoring table at the end of the season. Seeing Obi up top alongside another new signing in Mike Symons will be a massive boost for all the fans.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
I do feel that we still need a reserve goalkeeper. Currently we only have Jaz Singh between the sticks and although he is (as I’ve said) a superb ‘keeper, having a backup option should Jaz get injured or suspended is something I feel Tim Harris should definitely look at. I’d also like to see us bring in another midfielder, possibly a short term loanee just to help with the injuries causing selection problems we have in that area.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Obviously the ones you look out for are: the first game, Boxing/New Year’s Day and the last game. Personally I can’t wait for the Christmas double header against Worcester City as we could possibly extend our win streak over them to 9 games, a phenomenal record! It goes without saying that I can’t wait for Saturday’s game against FC United of Manchester, not just because it’s the start of the new season but also because of the stature of our opponents, everyone knows about FC United and they’ll bring a lot of fans so I hope our fans can match them and create a vociferous atmosphere.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
Aside from the obvious contenders of AFC Fylde, Solihull Moors and AFC Telford, I think Boston United could have a very good chance of surprising a few. In Dennis Greene they have one of the best managers in the league and they have a superb squad, notably centre half Carl Piergianni, who will be hungry to avenge last year’s semi-final play-off defeat.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
Harry White is the one to watch for me. Signed for us in October of last year and managed to bag 9 times in 17 appearances. Harry has recently turned down a move to another Conference North club to continue his development at Gloucester and has become a fans favourite since joining for his unmatched energy levels. This season could be the coming of age for the young striker.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
I think it’s too early to offer a precise finishing position at this stage but I think I speak for all fans when I say we’d love a top half finish. Last year we were in a false position for most of the season and finished in 14th, which I feel was a very fair reflection on the team’s overall performance. A top half finish would be ideal and maybe if we could sneak in the play-offs I’d love that, but let’s concentrate on improving on last season’s position for now and see how the season plays out!
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