HUGHES IN POSITIVE MOOD AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S VISIT OF NANTWICH TOWN

THE ROBINS return to home pre-season action on Saturday as we play host to Nantwich Town (kick-off 2.30pm).

It promises to be another good work-out against our Northern Premier League West Division opponents as the start of the season edges ever closer.

“It’s been a slightly different pre-season this year with us not being in European competition,” admitted manager, Chris Hughes. “We didn’t want to be in this situation, of course, but I think some of our lads needed the extra break.

“We’ve been able to integrate four new players into the group and they have slotted in well, whilst we’ve lost a couple of lads who have been here a long time.

“The games and training sessions have been good; these past seven days have been busy with three games, including Saturday’s visit of Nantwich Town, which we are looking forward to.

“We like to play teams from the English pyramid as it gives us different kind of challenges which stand us in good stead.

“Ultimately it’s all about getting minutes into the legs and getting our fitness levels right. I have been pleased with the way in which the younger lads have acquitted themselves and the overall attitude and application of the group has been very good.

“Hopefully the supporters will be right behind us for the season ahead. They’ve always been extremely supportive of me and it’s nice to see the younger generation getting more involved and showing their support.

“The fan base grew as last season went on and I’d like to think that this will continue and we can give everyone something to cheer about with our exploits on the pitch.”