SHAFTESBURY | MAN ON A MISSION

Productive summer so far for Jim Milligan

Shaftesbury’s first season in the Southern League can best be described as a roller-coaster of emotions.

They emerged from it having secured their Division One South status, five points clear of the relegation zone, whilst gaining plenty of valuable experience along the way.

Now with their preparations for 2025/26 in full swing, manager, Jim Milligan, is happy with where the club is at.

“The season may have finished at the end of April, but the work has not stopped since then,” Milligan admitted to Avril Lancaster. “We’ve spoken to so many different players and with this approach, we’ve been able to make some good signings already, with more to follow.

“We’ve been able to bring the likes of Brandon Mundy, Jim Ward, Charlie Burden and Charlie Rayfield from Bemerton Heath Harlequins, as well as a Rockies’ promotion winner in Callum Sweeney who returns here after a successful season at Andover New Street.

“Then there’s Harry Baker, Toby Holmes and Jack Lovell from Wimborne Town, with the latter ready to form a partnership with Leighton Thomas, who ended last season in great form for us, whilst in goal we’ve been able to get Jonathan Hill, who knows what this level is all about.

“On top of that we’ve been able to retain a core from last season’s squad and with more new faces to be announced over the weeks ahead, we’re building a group here who will be able to take the club forward at Step 4.

“This year we have concentrated on hard-working and determined players that are the right fit for the club’s ambitions as well as the expectations of myself and the rest of the coaching team.

“We’re sticking to a similar model that proved successful during my time at Bemerton Heath Harlequins where it showed that with the right mentality and attitude, you can build a squad that can really make an impact.

“I’m happy with where we’re at in terms of our squad building and I can’t wait for the season to come around so that we can start showing people what we can do.”

IMAGE: Shaftesbury FC

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