Danny Janes ready for first game as Alcester Town manager
FOOTBALL
NEW Alcester Town manager Danny Janes says two warm-up games in the next 48 hours will help decide his squad for the Midland League Division Three opener on Saturday.
Janes, who took over as boss from James Robbins last week, will take charge for the first time tonight (Tuesday) when Alcester meet Feckenham at Old Stratford Road.
Then Town will face visitors Redditch United Under-18s on Thursday night before the first league game brings a home match against NKF Burbage. Both friendlies kick off at 7.15pm.
“I’ve only one training session with the players because I was away on holiday so these two friendly games against Feckenham and Redditch Under-18s will allow me to give everybody the chance to show what they can do,” said Janes.
“I’ve probably got a squad of 30 at the moment, first and second team, and I’ll be looking to narrow it down to 18-20.”
Former reserves manager Janes has been busy assembling a squad, adding five new recruits, Paul O’Brien, Brendan Hicks, Jamie Bailey, Daniel Mumford and Joe Shaw.
Striker Hicks, however, faces two to three months on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments, ironically playing against Alcester’s Sunday team for Redditch side Black Horse.
The former Feckenham, Studley, Fairfield and Littleton player was taken to hospital after falling awkwardly during the game and is awaiting a scan to assess the damage.
"It's a massive blow for the team as we worked really hard to get Brendan here, he is a big player for us,” said Janes. "We have strength in depth within our ranks, this gives other players the opportunity to step up and perform.
'The club, and myself, wish Brendan a speedy recovery."
Against Black Horse, Matt Layton scored for Alcester but they lost 2-1.