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Badgers' pre-season plans are disrupted
EASTWOOD Town's pre-season preparations were hit this week after their first scheduled friendly was cancelled.
Retford United’s ground will not be ready in time to host the UniBond Premier Division champions, meaning unless a replacement match is arranged The Badgers will have to wait an extra three days to get match practice.
Manager Paul Cox was frustrated by the setback.
He said: “We felt a bit let down by Retford to be honest but we’re in talks with a few clubs at the moment trying to get a game for that day.
“It’s important we do so because the players and fans are raring to go and you don’t want to have to wait too long to play.”
Cox is, however, pleased with how pre-season is going so far on the training pitch.
“The lads have been working really hard, particularly this week when the weather has been very hot and it has been quite gruelling,” he said.
“We’ve not really had any injury concerns with the exception of Lindon Meikle who has aggravated a thigh injury and had to sit out the last couple of sessions.”
With a large number of players now free agents following the expiration of many contracts on June 30, Eastwood are spoilt for choice in terms of the pool of players available for them to look at with a view to signings.
And with the financial clout to provide good competition with regards to obtaining the best players, Cox is hopeful he can fill the gaps in his squad.
He said: “There’s still no immediate rush but obviously there’s areas where I still want to improve the squad.
“But as I’ve said before we won’t be held to ransom by anyone and will only sign the right players on our terms.”
One addition Cox has made to the squad is that of utility player Robert McCormick, who has been on trial with Eastwood and signed non-contract terms.
McCormick, who turns 18 on July 23, can play across the back four and in midfield and was released by Mansfield Town before spending time at Dunkirk last season.
Cox said: “He was recommended to us and looks to have some good promise and his versatility is clearly a good asset too.”
Meanwhile, plans to expand Coronation Park will be put to Eastwood Town Council on Monday night.
It is hoped The Badgers will be given permission to build new stands on all sides of the ground, with Cox believing such progress is key to the club’s future.
“It’s a vital ingredient to the future of the club, along with so many other things we’re trying to put together,” he said.
“It takes more than just having a wealthy chairman to bring success. You have to have the right infrastructure in place and that includes everything from training facilities to a good pitch and ground, as well as a quality squad.
“The new groundsman has come in and is doing a great job and I’m hoping we’ll really start seeing that come into fruition around this time next year.
“There are bound to be some who aren’t too keen on the plans we have for Coronation Park but in the end we hope we’ll have a facility that will benefit the community and local businesses in many ways.”
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Weather for Eastwood
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
