Shipston hope extra year's experience will be an asset
FOOTBALL
STEVE Hedderman believes the experience gained from their debut season in the Midland League will give them an advantage for their second campaign.
Shipston ended last season with a storming run, ending in seventh place in Division Three.
They kick off on Saturday with a trip to Boldmere Sports and Social and manager Hedderman says the summer additions, combined with the return of old faces, means they possess a squad to push towards the top four.
“It was a big adjustment in the first part of the season last year,” said Hedderman. “We were moving up from the Stratford Alliance and it’s not only the quality of football and players that’s tougher it’s the extra commitment you need from the players and the extra travelling you face.
“There are good teams, all 11 players are good players and it was a learning curve for us.
“We know more about what to expect. We’ve brought in a few players to add to the core of the side that we had last year so we’re really looking forward to the new season.”
Hedderman says pre-season has been encouraging, with two wins, defeating Banbury side Cropredy 4-0 and Bourton Rovers 9-2, drawing with Fairfield Villa 2-2 and losing 2-1 to Leamington Hibernian.
Captain Joe Godson, who returned to action towards the end of last term after a serious injury, is now back fullt fit, while Craig Robins and Will Beach are also back.
Robins’ availability last term was limited by working in London while Beach was away travelling.
Hedderman says the likes of Godson, Jake Harris, Sam Hince, Alex Welsby and Matt Partridge will again be at the core of the team, plus youngsters like Pat Featherston and Sam Johnson will be ready to step up.
Off the pitch, Shipston have appointed Tom Coles as player-manager to work alongside Hedderman and assistant Steve Shurmer.
After Saturday’s opener, Shipston head to Barwell side NKF Burbage next Saturday and then Leamington Hibs in the Les James Challenge Cup on 27 August.
The first home game will be on Monday 29 August when Inkberrow visit London Road.