Update from Manager Andy Peaks
We recently sat down with manager Andy Peaks to get his thoughts on last season, the work that goes on in the close season and hopes for the new season.
Andy could you sum up last season for everyone from your perspective?
“I think as a whole we over achieved from our expectations at the start of the season. When you looked at the division on paper it looked quite tough. I felt we made good additions to the squad with Hicks, Reynolds and Bowen,whilst still giving the lads who got us up an opportunity. We had a great start and managed to go on a cracking run. We identified areas early on which needed improving and I thought the additions of Hopkins and Collard really helped us when we needed it. We tried a couple of different formations and some worked better than others. On the flipside the poor run at the end of the season was tough, I think we just ran out of steam and that coincided with the transfer deadline, which meant we weren’t able to make those changes even if we wanted to.
I think the final game at Tamworth probably summed up my team though as we battled and deservedly picked up a draw and even could have nicked it at the end.”
What would you say was your highlight of the season?
“Its very difficult to pick one out, I would have to say the performances away at Needham and Leiston were brilliant, the 2 late goals at Hitchin for the pure drama, and the late goal at home to Tamworth on Friday night was also a highlight.”
Everyone seems to think the close season is a time to relax, is it really like that?
“Not really, even before the final whistle goes, you already have an eye on next season, where you can strengthen, who you want to keep hold of etc. There’s really only 8 weeks when you aren’t working with the players and during that time I like to have a chat with everyone to discuss next year. However there isn’t much point in announcing who has agreed to stay or not until they can actually sign on at the start of July, as unless you sign them on a contract from now they are all free agents, and that goes for all players.
I have already spoken to some I would like to bring in as well, and hopefully we can announce some when everyone signs in early July.”
What are your thoughts for the forthcoming season?
“Well, like last year the league looks very tough on paper, with the likes of Nuneaton, Bromsgrove and Peterborough Sports joining the league all hoping to do well, every other club seems to be saying they are going for it this season so we will have to be at our best to perform week in and week out. However bar one game this season people see what to expect from one of my teams and if we can fill some of the areas we highlighted we need to improve on then I am sure it will be a good season.”
