As his side returned for their first training session of pre-season, Hinckley AFC manager Carl Abbott said his side have made some good acquisitions ahead of 2017-18.
The retained members of last year’s record breaking side were joined by trialists and new members of the squad as AFC got the preparations for 2017-18 underway.
But Abbott wants to keep the new additions under wraps until registration forms are made available in a week’s time.
He said: “We’ve retained the bulk of our side. A few lads have drifted off and some we’re disappointed about but that’s football and we’ve made some good acquisitions. We’ll sit on them for a little longer because the registration forms aren’t available until 1st July.”
Around 40 players took part in the first part of the double session, including members of the new Under 18s youth squad. Abbott outlined what is in store for his side over the next six weeks.
“We had a social event on Thursday where the club put on a night out for the boys. They had a good bond and a good laugh on Thursday but we start the hard work today. “The lads seem happy to be here and working hard, ready for the season ahead.
“We had a double session today, working on fitness in the morning, grabbing a bit of lunch and then moving onto some ball work in the afternoon.
“The Under 18s were with us for the first session so they swelled the numbers. They had a baptism of fire with the fitness work but it will stand them in good stead.
“We’ve got a busy six-week camp in pre-season, working Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday every week. We’ve got the Simon Blyth memorial game in a couple of weeks which is more of a memorial game than a friendly and we’ll have a few players returning for that game.
“Ryan Seal and Lee Thomas will be appearing alongside some former Hinckley United players, the likes of Richard Lavery, Stuart Storer, Jamie Lenton and Dale Belford. We’re trying to make that game fitting for what it is.”
The highlight of the friendlies sees National League North side Nuneaton Town visit St John’s Park on Tuesday 25th July. Abbott said that came through an agreement with Boro when they signed Alex Penny last summer.
“It’s something we agreed with the previous manager but I know Nuneaton’s new manager, Tommy Wright, well and he’s been great in honouring what was agreed.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Alex and it’s a great chance for the supporters to see how he’s developed. He was also one of the players invited to Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy.”
Going into his fourth season at the club, Abbott already recognises that Division One will be as tough as ever this upcoming season.
“It’s going to be a tough and interesting season in our division. We’ll be in the mix. Walsall Wood getting relegated was unforeseen. At Christmas it would have been easier for them to win the league than get relegated but they suffered a tumble and now seem to be at the start of a new plan for the club.
“That happens in football, it’s one of those things. Teams change their plans and amend what they’re doing so they’ll very much be the team to chase. That takes the pressure off us a bit and we’re in a bit of a no-lose situation because people think it’s Walsall Wood’s to lose.
“Everyone else can relax and play their football. I think it’s going to be competitive: Brocton are assembling a good side, Heather have appointed a good manager, Atherstone have recruited really well, Leicester Road are sure to be well organised and Racing Club Warwick have signed some good players.
“It’s going to be a really competitive season.”
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