From Foxy’s Den…
IN OUR WEEKLY COLUMN, PARKGATE’S MANAGER, BILLY FOX, reveals the disruptive impact of the weather on his squad’s preparations, the frustrations of building the squad he and Assistant Richard Haigh want, and his perspective on a difficult assignment by the Humber Bridge this weekend, writes Colin Muncie for Parkgate FC..

Foxy, given the weather this week, how have preparations gone and is there anything in particular you and Richard have been working on since last week’s bright display against League Leaders AFC Mansfield?

The weather has had an impact but we will be training tonight (Thursday). Working with the players a couple of hours a week is nowhere near enough -but that's the level we are at. The players have work commitments and the finances at most clubs don't allow several sessions on 4G surfaces.

You're still in the process of shaping up your squad-are you any nearer to something you're happier with?

We are a long way from the team we would be happy with. Both myself and Haighy have never been off the telephone since we were appointed. Many of the players we have attempted to sign have several clubs interested in them and are at the other end of the table -which is always an advantage. Watching the games, it’s glaringly obvious where we require players; so, if any wealthy benefactors wish to step forward -please feel free.

It's Barton Town away on Saturday-if the weather doesn't intervene. What are you expecting at Marsh Lane, Foxy -the Swans are just four points above the Steelmen, but have made a couple of decent recruits this week.

Barton are improving and have taken Sam Denton from Pickering who played for Shaw Lane and recently Handsworth. He’s the type of player who does well in this league, so it shows Barton expect to beat the drop signing players of that calibre. Anyone we play we set out with the intention of winning the game and Barton will be no different -and we expect to sign a couple of players before the weekend.

Foxy was talking to the Parkgate FC Website