"With the new season fast approaching we've been working hard once again on improving on last years showing. Having lost the least games of anyone plus having one of the best defensive records we have a good idea of the areas we need to improve on.

We had a good squad last season but due to too many injuries and players unavailable we never able to field the same side two games running.

When we play with good temp, press and move the ball quickly, that's when we're at our best. We need to start putting teams to bed when we're on top. Hopefully we'll keep the squad from last year and with a few new signings we'll be in a good position to sustain a better challenge for the league title. Last season's experience in the league and winning the Charity Cup will be invaluable. Losing to Croxton in the Beacon Bitter quarter final was a huge blow and the lads will learn from that.

Despite lots of players being unavailable with holidays etc for the first three friendlies, I think we've performed ok, which is again down to having a good reserve side as back up when needed. Saturdays performance against Anstey Nomads was the sort of level we need to produce consistently. I was really pleased with the whole side from back to front and the replacements from the bench made no difference to our fluency on the day.

Having said that I always expect us to come out on top against sides who also want to play passing football. So if we can concentrate better and match teams for work rate in other games I think we'll be there or thereabouts.

With Winno and JB no longer with us, it was important to get the right people in to take their places and I'm delighted that Dowie and Martin have taken the mantle of Reserve Team managers (although they've shown in the friendlies that they're not ready to hang up their boots just yet!) As for my assistant, this is still to be confirmed but in the meantime I'm content working with Charlie. I just wish he'd stop reciting his nonsensical sayings!

Here's to a successful season for Sileby Town FC."