No matches so it’s back on the training ground for Bards
FRUSTRATED Stratford Town boss Gavin Hurren admits it is far from ideal having to go three weeks without a game as the Bards look to maintain their play-off push at the top of Southern League Premier Central.
Last week’s trip to fellow high-fliers Needham Market was postponed and Hurren’s side face another blank weekend following the decision by this week’s opponents Nuneaton Borough to withdraw from the league. The Bards are next in action at home to Halesowen Town on Saturday, 3rd February.
He said: “It is not ideal; the lads were in a bit of form and all were looking good after some decent results. It is frustrating but it’s something we have to deal with. What it does mean is that those who were struggling with niggles have had a chance to rest up.
“It will be three weeks without a match but we are in Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays and putting in a lot of work and it also gives me the opportunity to go and watch a few games – I managed to see the Telford v Coalville game this week.”
Hurren also paid tribute to experienced keeper Liam O’Brien who left the club this week to sign for Northern Premier Midland Division side Bedworth United.
The Bards boss added: “It’s always tough when a senior player moves on, but the timing was right for Liam. We had brought Callum [Smith] in who is young and fits the profile of the player we are looking for and Liam had been struggling having put his body on the lone so many times for Stratford – he was picking up injuries, struggling to train and he was in a lot of pain.
“I didn’t want him to leave because he has always been a massive part of the squad but he had an opportunity to play a level below at Bedworth where he knew one or two former players.
“Liam has been a great servant to the football club through both the good times and some tough times and obviously we wish him well. He has won so many matches and points for us over the years and will always be welcome at the club.
“We have a lot of young lads coming through the academy and they are training weekly and we also have Louis Beresford who can come into the squad.”
