SEASON PREVIEW

So begins another season, my 42nd watching Hucknall Town counting the 2 defunct seasons. Many ups and a few downs in that time. It really has been a rollercoaster of a ride but generally enjoyable and I've met a lot of good people during that time'

A new chapter begins with a new league for the boys in yellow to compete in. With the East Midlands Counties League no longer in existence following the FA reshuffle Hucknall find themselves in the United Counties League Division one (still step 6). Also making the move to the division are old EMCL teams Barrow, Belper United, Borrowash Victoria, Clifton, Dunkirk, Gedling MW, Graham Street Prims, Ingles, Kimberley MW, Radford and West Bridgeford. Making up the division are teams I confess I know very little about, Aylestone Park, Birstall United Social. Blackstones, Bourne Town, Harrowby United, Hinckley, Howell Sports, Kirby Muxloe, Lutterworth Athletic, Saffron Dynamo and St Andrews.

Hucknall have lost no one from last seasons squad but will have players missing for various reasons. Joe Butler is recovering from a broken leg suffered in pre season. Joe Ashurst is on a sabatical motorbike trip across Europe, Grant Ryan is suspended until the middle of September. Also sad news as Ethan Greenidge is still struggling with the injury sustained almost two seasons ago. It's a shame because he is a talented young man and I wish him all the best.

Added to the squad are Craig Westcarr, a tremendous signing who has impressed in pre season with his experience and know how. Goalkeeper Keaton Sharpe has returned to the club as cover for Jake Pearson. Young Aaron Lamb has also forced his way into the first team picture. I've a feeling the squad will be tested to the full with fixtures coming thick and fast in a 23 team league and added travelling time. 

Pre season for Hucknall has been a bit of a mixed bag. Of the games I witnessed we played pretty well against a strong Micleover outfit who bossed the first 15 minutes of the game but Hucknall gradually took control and played some nice passages of play.

Redcar away in sweltering heat was a very entertaining game with Hucknall winning by the odd goal of five. We were lucky enough to catch up with the lads later and I can tell you there is nothing wrong with team spirit. 

The Sandiacre game was a bizarre affair Hucknall storming into a early 3 goal lead but then very fortunate not to lose the game and settling for a 3 3 draw. 

Although it's not wise to look into pre season games to deeply boss Andy Graves has highlighted the need to cut out the sloppy mistakes that have cost us goals and I share those concerns. 

However we go into the first league game knowing that the top team goes up by right with play off places for the four teams behind the champions. I feel with Heanor and Eastwood being promoted to the UCL Prem North division and Sherwood to the NCEL we have a good chance to be in that top 5 come the end but it will not be easy and lapses of concentration could cost us dear.

Very much looking forward to the new challenge with new grounds to visit.

Have a good season all lets hope we complete this one.