2009/10 Season Preview

“I’m on holiday from 22nd September” explained new signing, Si Warren.

“We go for a week and fly on the Tuesday” he continued “so I should only miss one game”

I looked at him. Unsure whether the hour of intense pre season training and laps of Fortress Stonelow had left him too weary to be capable of cohesive thought. I wondered why he would be excited about returning from a holiday of wall to wall sunshine somewhere exotic to play for Dronfield Town B.

The only answer can be hunger. He, along with the rest of the Town B squad shared a new sense of drive to play football.

The hacks of DTFCB.co.uk interviewed Assistant Manager, Presty, who is also looking forward to the upcoming season.

What is the feeling among the fans for the forthcoming season?

They are optimistic. Mainly about the weather staying relatively dry this season. Choosing between getting soaked watching Town B or staying in drinking endless tea in front of Soccer Saturday is a no brainer.

What is the best you can realistically hope for?

Les Sven set the bar when he told the squad that finishing higher than last season is a realistic target. Promotion is not beyond the realms of possibility but it would require much more consistency than we showed last season, particularly away from Stonelow.

And the worst?

Promotion. Playing in the Hope Valley Premier League would see the return of our annual thrashing away at Hayfield.

What have you made of the arrivals and departures over the summer?

In: Si Warren looks to be the organizer we needed in defence, Lew Meakin adds flair down the left and Brett Jowitt height through midfield. Callum Mawby joins following a successful loan spell.

Out: Pete Myers and Scott Cropper have joined the A side, and it remains to be seen whether Jolly, who is locked in contract negotiations with Browny, will follow them. Dave Saddler has swapped his boots for speedo’s and Lew Forsyth, Luke Pinder & Kam Khan also depart.

Who will be your key player and why?

James Morriss played a blinder in our first pre season game of the season, but he cant take spin. Big things are expected of skipper Jake Turner if he can handle the pressure that is attached to the player of the season accolade.

Is there a young player or a new face we can expect to make a name for himself this year?

Callum Mawby. Last season the sixteen year old was on loan from the U18’s and set about rescuing points for Town B during with a series of cameo appearances. If he can carry this goal scoring form over a season it could be a good battle for the golden boot.

What will the message be to your players before the opening game?

I'd remind the them that contrary to the team's mood during the majority of last season's trudge, football is supposed to be fun, so do try and enjoy it.