Andy Peaks Speaks About Pre-Season

Fri 29 Jul 2022 - 4:50PM

Andy Peaks on…….

…..The game against Sutton Coldfield Town

“Yes it was good to get the win.” The lads showed a never say die attitude and even though it was a friendly, the way they celebrated the winner said a lot to me. “We struggled to get things going in the first half. “They (Sutton Coldfield Town) kept good possession and were very good on the ball. “However, we had the better of the chances to be honest but were not critical enough. “Second half we were a lot better and I was delighted for Alex Jones to come on and score his first goal for the club and hopefully it will be the first of many. “I took a lot of positives from the game but it also highlighted some areas where we were not quite good enough too, which is what pre-season is all about.”

…..Pre-Season so far

“There have been good bits and not so good bits. ”I think pre season is always false and I think it has been particularly difficult for me as there were quite a few players I needed to look at as well as bringing in a few too. “It is a big squad at the moment but some may go out on loan. “However, if after 8 to 10 games in or so we have a really strong group then I think it will have been worth it. “I really would like to have played my strongest team by now, but we had to get the players up to speed and get minutes in, as well as having a good look at them. “In addition we have had players injured, ill and away on holidays, so it hasn't been ideal to get my strongest team out on the pitch yet.”

….. The run up to the 6th August

“My remit from the chairman when I came in was to get us safe and then to kick on this season and get promoted. “We want to be competitive and be at the top end of the table. “I think we have a clearer view of what the starting XI will be against Ilkeston, but equally there are still 2 friendlies and 2 training sessions left too, so places are still up for grabs. “We have a big couple of weeks ahead of us before the first league game. “We are looking after players who have taken some knocks (Alex Bradley, Eoin McKeown, AJ Gorger and Ben Milnes) and we will want them fit for the start of the season.”