Rams gear up for the new season
Macauley Wilson will captain the Rams this season with Oscar Radcliffe and Matt Dudley as vice-captains.
Having shread the frustrations of missing out on promotion back to the Northern Premier League via the play-offs for the second successive season, a busy close season has seen many changes at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium as Ramsbottom United look to make it third time lucky over the coming months.
Chairman Harry Williams took the decision to form a new committee to strengthen the off-field activities, whilst a new management team has been enrolled to put a squad together to finally accheive the clubs ambition of a return to the NPL after three seasons back at the North West Counties League.
One of the committee’s first tasks was to organise a clean-up of the ground, and thanks to the tireless efforts of a good number of supporters, those returning to matches will see many changes at the ground. The club would like to thank all who have given their time and effort throughout June, and further clean-ups have been organised for this coming weekend, Saturday 10am-1pm, and Sunday 10am to 12noon. Volunteers very much welcome!
On the pitch, the supporters will see a new management team in place. Popular Steve Wilkes decided that after 30 years in the dug-out, it was time to put his managerial skills to rest, and the club have promoted coach Rob Henry to take over as manager. Rob has brought in Richard Thomas as his assistant whilst welcoming the Rams Ladies team manager, Ste Ryan, as the club’s new coach. They will be joined by long-standing goalkeeping coach Lewis Hindley, and first-aider Tony Dunn.
Pre-season training has attracted over 30 hopefuls, which the manager has spent the last three weeks whittling down to a squad of around twenty.
Amongst them are 12 players from last season’s runners-up team who will be joined by a number of newcomers, all of whom will strengthen the squad and become firm favourites with the supporters.
With registrations now being accepted by the league, secretary Chris Newton has been busy submitting the names ahead of the new season, which kicks off on Saturday 1st August. Early league fixtures will be available from the middle of July.
The Macron (League) Cup draw which took place at the NWCFL AGM in Blackpool, has seen the Rams drawn at home to Cheadle Heath Nomads, on a date to be arranged.
The Rams will also be entering the FA Vase, in which they have been given a bye until the First round proper in October, the FA Cup, with the draw taking place this Friday (3rd July), and the Lancashire FA Trophy, a competition the Rams have not competed in for a number of years.
Pre-season matches begin this coming Saturday when the Rams travel up to Hesketh Bank (3.00), whilst a trip to Garstang kicks off at 2.00pm the following Saturday (11th July).
On Tuesday 14th the Rams are away again at Hurst Green with a 7.15 k.o., and Saturday 18th sees us hosted by Stockport Georgians. The fifth successive away game takes us on a short trip to Elton Vale (7.30pm) on Tuesday 21st, before the pre-season ends with two home games.
On Friday 24th July the team that knocked the Rams out of the promotion play-offs, Padiham, arrive at the HWRS for a 7.45pm start, which is the same kick-off time for the final warm-up match the following Tuesday 28th, with NPL side Bamber Bridge making the journey down from Preston.
Manager Rob Henry was asked how his first few weeks in charge had gone.
“Pre-season has been very positive so far. The players engagement, attitude and application both in training and in their overall approach has been first class.
“The group has worked incredibly hard, particularly with the running, and as a result, the fitness levels are high. This will be crucial for the season ahead, especially given the intensity we want to play with.
“With several new additions to the squad, building strong relationships within the group has been a key focus. It’s important that players understand each other’s unique qualities, whilst working within an environment/culture that demands the highest standards.
“We’re now looking forward to the next phase of pre-season, where the focus shifts to match play. This will give players the opportunity to get valuable minutes on the pitcb and apply the work we’ve done in training, bringing our principles and playing style to life in game situations.
“We also look forward to seeing our fantastic supporters on Saturday at Hesketh Bank.”
