Ahead of today’s league opener against Grimsby Borough, we caught up with Craig Rouse to discuss preseason, his new recruits and looking ahead to the start of a new campaign.
Here’s what Craig had to say;
Rousey the league campaign is here, how pleased are you with the work done over the summer and do you feel ready to go?
We feel we’ve strengthened the group in all the areas we needed to and added quality in depth which should stand us in good stead. We’re looking forward to watching how we progress as the season goes on. Pre season has gone well and the players have faced all sorts of different tests enabling us to see & learn a lot about them as individuals.
Only the one defeat in preseason – against a full time time in South Shields – how important is it take the winning feeling into the opening league games?
We’re all competitors and we all want to win games but those wins will only matter if we carry the momentum forward into the season and get off to a good start. The players look ready and can’t wait to get started so hopefully that transpires with good positive performances.
A number of players have entered the door with plenty of experience and players that have tasted success in recent years. How key is their additions to our squad?
We stated from the moment we started recruiting that we wanted to add quality not quantity and we feel that’s what we’ve done. All the additions are winners and have either tasted success or have played at an higher level in recent times and they’ll bring that mentality into our changing room. I’m looking forward to working with them all and they’ve settled well into the squad.
Finally, a message to our supporters who will be following us every step of the way this year?
The bond we saw last season between players & supporters was the best I’ve experienced at my time at the club and we want that relationship to continue to grow. You can all play a massive part this season in creating a good atmosphere for the players to play in as it definitely helps. We’ll give our all for the club week in week out and with your support hopefully we can create some more brilliant memories.