Ahead of Saturday’s season opener, a home league game versus Biggleswade Town, manager Bren Kelly has previewed our first game at Step Three, reflecting on the off-season, our opponents and player injuries.
“This week, we take our bow for the first time at Step Three of the football pyramid, in the Southern League Premier Central against Biggleswade Town. “First of all, I feel very proud to be leading the club into another campaign and would like to thank Mike Burke, Graham Scott and the board for all their support over the pre-season period. “Also a huge thanks to our ground staff Brian and Rob, for the great work on the pitch.
“This Saturday will be a historic day for Sporting, as we kick off a season in Step Three for the first time. Pre-season has been productive and I have learned plenty about the squad “We are far from the finished article, but myself and Andy are aware of what we need to work on.
“Biggleswade had a very solid performance last season, just missing out on a playoff spot – they will be hot favourites going into the game. “However, we have a very positive record in the league at the VG, so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and try our best to match them first and foremost, then hopefully kick on to a positive result.
“I must stress that we are well aware of the gulf in standard between Step Four and Step Three, so I would be silly to make any predictions of where we see our season going or what we can achieve at this time. “It certainly won’t be like last season – this is an extremely difficult division and one we are new to, so we need to accept that we will drop more points than last season – that’s a given.
“We will have to be careful with our expectations, as I feel it will take the division several months before it starts to take shape. “We feel we have added to the squad well and momentum is on our side so we are looking forward to the big kick-off.
“We have some injury concerns/doubts at the moment, with Jake Heath (trapped nerve), Leon Broadhurst (knee) and a few more carrying knocks. However, it does not make mine and Andy’s decisions for a squad of 16 any easier, but like we always do, we will select a squad we feel is best equipped to get a positive result.
“We hope the VG will remain a fortress again this season and we look forward to seeing all the Sporting faithful again.”
Brenden Kelly
Bromsgrove Sporting FC
