Your role has changed since last season with you making the step up to joint first team manager. How did that come about and are you enjoying your new role?
The role came about after discussions between myself,Barrie and the committee,and once the opportunity arose to take a step forward I was more than happy to take it.So far I have really enjoyed the extra responsibility and the chance of a bigger input into all first team affairs.
If I am not mistaken you are part of the only joint management team in the division, can you tell us how this will benefit the first team?
We are lucky that we share very similar football ideas and hopefully this arrangement will allow our individual management strengths to be utilised.
How has pre-season gone and are you happy with the progress the squad have made in preparation for the new season?
Pre season training has gone very well in terms of the physical work and I've been really pleased with the attitude shown by the squad.We've brought in new faces and they have all settled into the club well.We've had some tough pre season fixtures and apart from the Giants Grave game we've acquitted ourselves well,which will have prepared us well for the forthcoming season.
What disappointed you the most about last season and did you learn anything about the division that will benefit you going into the new season?
The biggest disappointment was the way season fell away after what we felt initially was`a squad that could be competitive.Injuries,work commitments and other issues seriously depleted our squad and I think the biggest thing we learned was that you need a consistent squad and performance levels to be competitive all season,not just for the odd game,and that's what we will be looking to address.
It was a big coup for yourself and the club in attracting Billy Timothy to the club from Neath Athletic - how did that come about and what will he bring to the squad?
We've known Billy for many years and have worked with him before at Neath.When we heard his opportunities at Neath may be limited we persuaded him to take up a new challenge in helping us take the club forward.Signing Billy was a huge boost to the whole club and he'll bring experience,quality and leadership to the squad and his influence is already being felt both on and off the field.
Apart from Billy you have already brought in a few new faces: Tell us what they will offer the team?
We knew we had to strengthen the squad and the new players will help give us that strength in depth.As well as Billy we have signed Andrew Shaw,Leighton Connor,Rob James and re-signed Steve Pugh.We are also delighted to have signed Paul Bromage in the last few days and after Christmas hope to have last years skipper Gareth Evans available again following work commitments.
'Shawsy' adds great energy and workrate,Leighton brings experience and defensive know how while Rob will give us extra physical presence and versatility.'Pughy' will bring composure and a dependibility to the defence while 'Brommo' also adds vast experience and organisational qualities.
All in all we're pleased with the new signings but will still look to bring in further quality if they will improve our squad.
What are your expectations for the new season?
I think the most important thing is to become more consistent and from that we will be looking to improve on last seasons league position,points total and games won.I think its important to remember the club is still a relative newcomer to the Welsh League and developments such as the introduction of a reserve side last season and a youth side this season are part of the building blocks to make this a solid club for years to come.However,success breeds success and I can promise that we will be doing our upmost to make this a good season,so with loads of hard work and a touch of luck lets hope we can have a season to remember!
