Manager Pre-Season Update

As the season is now upon us, I would like to give everyone a summary of our pre - season. It is public knowledge that we lost a lot of players after the previous manager, Danny Dolan, departed the football club. This was to be expected to some degree, so the rebuilding process over the summer was going to be vital.

After our first game at Romsey Town it was clear to see that we had a lot to do. I’m delighted with the work that we have been able to do so far in recruiting players for the season ahead. At the last time of counting, we had lost 11 players which left a huge void in the squad.

We have been able to recruit wisely and as of last night, we have brought in 8 new players. There are still areas within the squad that we are looking at and are hopeful of getting some further signings in, over the next couple of weeks.

I would like to place on record on how pleased I am with the players that decided to stay on with the football club. Many of them did have offers elsewhere and it is credit to my coaching staff and committee in being able to keep these players on board. We have taken a very different approach to our pre - season, with sessions gradually built up with plenty of time to recover. Within a busy fixture schedule we have been able to execute many of our playing principles, which has been great. Our recent games against Binfield and Badshot Lea proved this and I was delighted to see that we are implementing what we have worked so hard on.

Going into the start of the season we only have 1 injury, that has been longer term, so having a fully fit squad available for selection is excellent. Pre - season can sometimes be a gruelling process, but I’m certain our players will say they are fresh and raring to go.

So, as we move into the 2019/20 season it is very much a ‘clean slate’ for all involved after the large transition over the summer. I’m sure that this next chapter in Calleva’ history will be eventful and one that we are all looking forward too.

I’d like to wish all the players and staff that did depart over the summer, best wishes for the new season and I’m sure I’ll see some of you around.

For now, thanks for reading and I’ll see everyone else on Tuesday, for our first home game of the season!

Adam