Stratford Town have a fresh start going into second half of the season, says Gavin Hurren
BOSS Gavin Hurren believes the enforced break from football due to the recent spate of freezing temperatures has been a blessing in disguise for Stratford Town.
The Bards have not played a Southern Premier Central fixture since the 4-2 defeat at Alvechurch on 6th December.
It means the squad would have had a 20-day break by the time Boxing Day’s home game against league leaders Tamworth comes around and Hurren told the Herald the rest has done the players a world of good.
“From Boxing Day the games start coming thick and fast and I think this break has been a real blessing in disguise for us,” he said.
“We’ve been giving the lads fitness programmes over the last couple of weeks and the break has also given the squad a chance to recharge the batteries.
“About 90 per cent of the team were carrying knocks but we should have pretty much everyone available for the Tamworth game. Martin Riley is fully back now, Carl Dickinson had been struggling with a calf and he’s ready to go and Jack Turner is back in training.
“Dan Vann is probably another week or two away but this break has been really good for us and the players are looking forward to Boxing Day and coming up against a very good Tamworth side.”
He added: “We know it’s going to be tough but I know we are capable of beating anyone in this league.
“Yes, the results have not been going our way but we have got a really talented group here and we know if we prepare well, set ourselves up properly and don’t make any mistakes, then we will be in the game. Tamworth are up there for a reason but these are the types of games you want to be playing in.”
The Bards have won just one of their last 13 league outings but Hurren told the Herald that with 2023 just around the corner and 22 more league games to come, he’s looking for a fresh start.
This freshening up will also see Hurren add to his coaching staff, some players will be leaving and a couple will be brought in.
“We haven’t won since we played Needham Market but, for me, every team has a dip in form,” he said. “If you keep looking into our form and talking about it, it’s not going to do anyone any good.
“We’ve got 22 matches left so there are 66 points up for grabs.
“I don’t want to talk about the first half of the season any more, it’s time to put that behind us and have a fresh start going into 2023.
“We’ve got a really good squad here and I’m confident the results will turn. We want to start climbing that table and finish strongly. It’s all about thinking positive from now on.”
Hurren also paid tribute to the community for their efforts with the club’s Christmas toy collection for children in need, as well as the fans who continue to show their support.
“The fans have been amazing and I hope they come out in their numbers for the Boxing Day game,” he added.
“Everything that is happening off the field at the club is just remarkable and that’s down to Jed (McCrory – chairman), the board and the volunteers.
“It was also amazing to see just how the community has rallied round to donate toys for the Christmas collection.”
