After three poor seasons, there is a fresh feeling of hope and anticipation at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium as the team gears up for what is expected to be a much more successful season.
Relegation from the NPL to the NWCFL was a blow to the club, and the problems that had to be dealt with last time out, resulted in a disappointing finish of 18th, which was way below expectations, but as manager Steve Wilkes explains, there were reasons behind that finish.
“As it has been well documented, last season was nowhere near good enough and as the Manager I take full responsibility for that. The two pre-seasons we have had, have been like chalk and cheese. Last season we came in late, didn’t get all the payers we wanted, didn’t get the pre-season games we wanted and that proved to be significant as the season went on.”
However, Wilkes is fully aware that an assault on the top positions in the league is a must this time round.
“This season I started making phone calls with at least 6 weeks of last season remaining. I set out some big name targets along with players that had impressed me throughout the season. Thankfully, we nailed most of the targets.”
It was generally accepted that the team was too lightweight last season, and this league requires more experience and muscle.
“With big names like Andrew Teague and Scott Sephton coming through the door, this allowed me to speak to other players and show them what we want to achieve this season. Like I said earlier the two pre-seasons have been so different.”
As is always the case, as players come in, inevitably some will move out.
“It’s not all been plain sailing. We lost 3 good players in Tom Walker and Ryan Hamer to Charnock Richard and Chris Thompson to Nelson. Losing two goalkeepers wasn’t ideal, but thankfully we have brought in Brad Rose on a season long loan from Radcliffe. At 19 years of age, I don’t think there’s many better keepers around the Northwest.”
To counter those moving on, newcomers have joined the club.
“I have managed to bring in plenty of experience this summer, which we lacked last season. Andy Teague has come in as Player/Assistant Manager and already his experience has proved its worth to the rest of the squad. Scott Sephton, Luke’s brother, is another with experience that has been portrayed to the players.
“Recently we brought in Rob Wilson, another with bags of experience.
“Alongside the experienced ones, players like Brad Sullivan have played Counties football for a few years. We’ve also brought in a few younger players, Adrian Kendake, Tom Hoyle, Harry Winstanley and Joao Soares all under the age of 22.”
Last year, despite the disappointing end placing, there were a number of players who wore the blue short who did enough to convince Wilkes that they deserved another opportunity.
“We have also kept a good core from last season including Oscar Radcliffe, Harvey Whyte, Luke Sephton, Oumar Camara and Henri Ogunby.
“Kuda Chingwaro and Rick Whittingham are both recovering from last season’s injuries.
“All in all its been a good pre-season for recruiting. The games that we have played in pre-season have seen a mixed bag of results, which I’m not really worried about as everything is geared up to Saturday 27th July away at Pilkington. 3 wins, 2 losses and a draw.”
So the new season kicks off in St Helens on Saturday with a trip to Pilkington, followed next Tuesday by the first home game of the season against Abbey Hey.
Wilkes concluded, “I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. Expectations are high and rightly so. Hopefully we can get off to a good start and see a few more Ramsbottom United fans through the turnstiles this season”.
After three poor years, the omens are looking a lot brighter. The Ramsbottom supporters are looking forward to a much more competitive season, with a push for the top spot very much on their minds.
Whilst accepting that the club are where they are, everyone at the HWRS feels that the Northern Preier League is our natural home, and whilst being aware of the challenges ahead, there is a sense of optimistic expectation.
Let battle commence!
