Wednesday 25th June 2008

PRE-SEASON TRAINING BEGINS...

The 2008-09 season finally got underway on Tuesday evening when almost thirty players attended the first training session of the season at Hillsfield.

Due to holidays and other commitments there were still around a dozen players missing, but Manager Steve Swanwick and Coach Martin Meylan were very pleased with both the turn-out and the quality on show.

"Generally their fitness levels were quite high, and several players showed up well in the practice match so overall it was a good start." Said Swanwick.

"Twelve players have signed Midland Alliance forms so far, so at least we've got enough to start the season." He joked.

"But seriously, there will be more signings after Thursday's session and we're expecting competition for places to be very tough once we get down to business." He added.

Neil Reilly was the last man standing after the bleep test, and the managers and coaches then watched intently as the players contested a practice match which was played at a good pace.

The twelve players who have signed so far are:

Gary Beardsley

Neil Bennett

Will Chadwick

Glyn Douglas

Martin Gadsby

Mark Grimley

Rory Maxwell

James McCarron

Adam McMahon

Paul Milward

Paul Wood

Matt Wooliscroft