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A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

Rob Cairney2 Jun 2022 - 18:54
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Manager Mark Eaton with an off season statement

Now the dust has settled on the 2021-2022 season

I wanted to thank the whole squad for their unbelievable effort and achievements, there is no doubt the end result of losing the title and then not being promoted due to the ground grading was a bitter pill to swallow for everyone at the club. We won promotion with our performance on the pitch, The FA's decision not to grant us the 8 week extension needed to get the ground grading says a lot about their hollow talk supporting grass roots football. I would also like to thank all our sponsors especially B.E.P Construction Ltd who have stuck with us despite the disappointment and finally all the committee who have given me unwavering support since I arrived.

I don't think I'll ever truly get over it but have decided we simply have to live with what happened, learn from the experience and come back stronger and even even better prepared. We got 93 points, scored over a 100 goals and had one of the meanest defences in non league football. We also had some titanic games and some incredible performances, the 5-0 away win at Hadley, the 3-0 away win at New Salamis and the 2-0 away win at Harpenden being some of the stand out ones. The players should be proud of their achievement.

Its now time to put a line under that and look forward to a new season where we will again start with positive optimism, the bulk of last years squad will be with us again. We don't announce player signings, (you can't sign anyone at the moment anyway) but I am looking forward to welcoming some outstanding additions who have committed to join us for the coming season. We have specifically targeted players who we believe will improve us, the quality of our current squad should give an indication of the calibre of players joining.

I looked closely at where I think we needed to improve on and off the pitch and am delighted to announce our new management team for the coming season:

Danny Nicholls will be joining as Assistant Manager, Danny has incredible experience both in the pro and non league game with previous clubs including Kettering Town, Oxford City , Corby and Hemel Hempstead Town, he holds a UEFA A licence and is recognised as one of the most progressive coaches in the local area. We have talked about working together for many years and I am now delighted to get him on board.

We have also appointed James Tovey as Goalkeeping coach, Toves needs no introduction to Risborough having played for several years at the club , he is a winner and a big personality

Jon Franklin will continue to support me as part of the management team, our relationship goes back many years and although his work has sometimes prevented him being present at every game, he's loyalty to Risborough Rangers is unquestionable

Finally Adam Morris will be taking up a new role as First Team Coach following his announcement to retire from playing, Mozz has been an oustanding player for the club and I've no doubt we might call on him from time to time. Mozz put on some great sessions last season so this was a natural transistion for him to join the management team.

Alex Sethi who supported me so brilliantly will be back where he belongs on the pitch.

I am pleased to announce our pre-season schedule:

Thursday 23rd June 7.30 pm
Meet and Greet at the B.E.P Stadium to welcome new and existing players back and a chance to hear the plans for the coming season on and off the pitch. Any players wishing to join who have not been contacted by the club are welcome to join.

Saturday 25th June 10.30 am
Pre-season training commences at the excellent Chiltern Way Academy, Wendover, training will then continue every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7.30pm and Saturday again at 10.30 am until the pre season games start. Our training venue for the season will be at the John Colet school Wendover


Saturday 9th July away to Pitstone and Ivinghoe 3pm KO


Tuesday 12th July v Holmer Green neutral venue TBC


Thursday 14th July v Flackwell Health at John Colet School 7.30pm KO

Saturday 16th July free at the moment but probably a game will be scheduled


Thursday 21st July away v Buckingham Athletic


Saturday 23rd July home v Chesham United (opening of our new stand)


Tuesday 26th July home v Barton Rovers


Saturday 30th July away v Jersey Bulls

Tuesday 2nd August season starts

I am very confident we can once again be competitive at this level, there are some very good teams in the league so we know how difficult the task is ahead.

I am really looking forward to getting back to work on the 23rd June

Best wishes

Mark Eaton

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