WE caught up with manager Mike Wilde with the first team squad back for pre-season training and looking ahead to the first friendly at home to Stockport Town on Saturday, 5th July.
Preparations for the new season in the JD Cymru Premier began almost immediately after last season’s JD Cymru North title was secured.
“We had a good two week break and enjoyed what was needed, which was celebrating winning the league and getting promoted,” Wildey said.
“Then it was kind of full steam ahead in the recruitment process and I’m really happy with the players that have come in.
“It’s been enjoyable but also tough because it’s the first time we are gearing up to something totally different to what we’ve previously experienced
“I think that, with the balance of youth and the balance of hunger – lads who haven’t done it yet as well – there’s got to be a blend and that’s what’s exciting about this group of players.
“They’ve all got outcomes and objectives that they want to reach and we’re going to help them do that and we’re going to be in a really strong position to do that.”
Nine new additions have joined the squad but the manager acknowledged the contribution of the players that have left during the close season.
“The lads that have gone on to different things, we wish them all the best and we thank them for the last 12 months to get the football club in the position – and the rightful position – of being in the Cymru Premier,” he added,
“That’s the hardest part of this but there’s that many variables in football – there’s finance, work, travelling and family.
“There are so much things and that’s why these conversations take so long with individuals.
“People sometimes don’t understand all the hard work that goes behind it in order to get the final figure of somebody coming over the line or the final outcome and also fitting into the remit that you want to do and the style of football you want to play.
“We’re reaching that point now where we are settling down and looking forward to our pre-season games, getting our principles in place.
“I’m really excited about the pre-season friendlies.”
The manager said there could be further arrivals with the JD Cymru Premier season starting on the weekend of 8/9 August.
“There’s always going to be movements from now until the start of the season while the transfer window is open ……. players become available,” he said.
“We’re always actively seeking to improve and actively stretch and challenge people because we’re going to need a competitive squad moving throughout the whole of the season.
“We want to be fighting on all fronts – the Cymru Premier, Nathaniel MG Cup and also the Welsh Cup as well and we’re going to need a lot of depth in the squad.”
While Wildey, assistant manager Danny Harrison and the backroom team have been busy preparing for the new season there has been plenty of activity to get The Blue Turtle Arena ready.
Work at the ground has included widening the pitch to comply with Uefa criteria, a new perimeter fence, new turnstile block and most notably refurbishment of the Club Lounge.
“It’s absolutely fantastic and that’s why I wanted to be part of this,” Wildey said.
“Everything’s looking sparkling and there’s excitement building.”
