The new season is now underway and we have got off to a fairly good start. With the introduction of Brian Davey and Duncan Falconer the club wanted a fresh start and it is believed that the pair who have had a lot of success at their previous club Sherwood FC will, given time do similar for Knaresborough Town.
Brian has not gone out and brought in a whole new team of players but has subtly brought new players who he thinks will be of benefit to the club and help the players from last season, thus enhancing the team. Liam Gray (pictured) being one of the new signings.
In the last three games he has given everyone a chance to prove what they have to offer and I think now both he and Duncan are forming a picture of what is required.
I have seen all three games so far and starting with the opener at Carlton first impressions were good. We did let ourselves down with our defending in that game but made up for it with a good attitude and the willingness to keep going to the end and not give up hence 4-4 after being 4-2 down, a score line which in the past would have shattered the confidence of our team.
The Bardsey game was totally different we weren’t at the races for most of the first half and that proved costly against last seasons champions and a team that look as though they are going to be there and there about this season.
It is the game following a defeat that is always going to show if a team has the ability to shake off a bad result and get on with things, and this is exactly what Brian and the team did at Howden Clough. Alright Howden have lost a few players from last year but Brian and Duncan were bold enough to change the team formation a move that made the team look strong in all departments and swept Howden away with ease.
I feel sorry for Mark Pedel and his players in the respect that they have been frustrated for two weeks running now by not being able to start their league campaign. Mark, in charge of the team this season (his second at the club) is raring to go and would be bitterly disappointed to hear at 11:00 am that the game was off. It is so annoying when teams (Tadcaster Magnet Sports and Altofts) can not field a team of players at this stage of the season. Knaresborough Town are professional in their running of the club and would never let a situation like that arise.
I have a good feeling for the future of our club under the new management, things will not happen overnight but I am sure that improvements will be seen in our results.
The club are working hard off the pitch, the erecting of the new clubhouse and an ambition to drive forward and improve facilities with a new stand and eventually floodlights will see Knaresborough maybe pushing for a higher standard of football.
Paul Howard.
