Following Kidlington FC’s announcement last month that Martin Wilkinson will manage the 1st team for a fourth successive season, I spoke with 'the boss' to ask a number of questions as plans are put in place to prepare a team to compete in the Southern League Central Division for the first time in the clubs history.

What made you decide to carry on as Manager?

Wilkinson: “In simple terms it is because the club continues to be ambitious and that was the decider for me. When you manage any team, you hope for ambition within the team but it is equally important the club shares that ambition. I think Kidlington FC has a very bright future and provided everyone at the club continues to works hard, I have no doubt there will be further success in the future.”

What are the plans for the team going forwards?

Wilkinson: “Last season, each and every player was magnificent and the team thoroughly deserved promotion. This season, it is obvious that the challenge will be greater and the games will be more demanding, so we will aim to build a team that has the necessary ability to compete well at Step 4. Hopefully, we will retain the services of the majority of players from last season but we will also look to strengthen where we can. Whatever happens with signings, you can guarantee that we will give next season our best shot and we will be professional in the way we go about our business.”

Who will be assisting the team next season?

Wilkinson: “I am delighted to announce that all the backroom staff from last season have agreed to stay for the forthcoming season and I will be bringing in a GK Coach to work with our GK’s during training. All the staffs are experienced in football and all remain ambitious, so I am confident the team will be very well supported.

What are you most looking forward to next season?

Wilkinson: “Without question, competing in better facilities and on better pitches. Some of the facilities and pitches at Step 5 are poor, so I am hoping that those days are well and truly behind us. We are a footballing side, so better pitches should help us perform at our best.”

What are plans for Pre-Season?

Wilkinson: “Our first pre-season training session will be Tues 28 Jun at Stratfield Brake Playing Fields, Kidlington. Inter-woven with the training sessions will be up to 6 pre-season fixtures designed to prepare the squad for the opening league fixture on Sat 6 Aug. Pre-season fixtures are: Fri 15 Jul – Shortwood United (A), Wed 20 Jul - Brackley Town (A), Sat 23 Jul - Bowers & Pitsea (H), Sat 30 Jul - Lydney (H) with at least 1 other fixture to be confirmed.”

COYG