With just seven days before pre season training starts we have interrupted new Manager Scott Armstrong's summer break to have a chat with him about how its gone so far and his forthcoming plans.

Since taking over it's been a busy month securing new players to bolster the squad ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Scott says "We have announced a few with more to come shortly, along with the existing players who have re-committed for the forthcoming season." He added "I'd like to take a minute to thank everyone for helping myself and Millie settle in so quickly. From discussions, the support of our change in style and emphasis has been brilliant and, as stated on the website at the weekend, I am delighted to be keeping Pat Delaney here as Physio. I plan for him to have an increased key role at the club and we will also be looking to add further support staff to help him with his workload."

As a Club we would like to also thank our sponsors for continuing to support the club ahead of the new season. We are looking to help local businesses increase their brand exposure within the local community, so if this is of interest to anyone please do get in touch with the club by email to: media@oldlandfootball.com.

The committee and volunteers have been busy doing lots of jobs inside and around the ground ahead of the new season with longer term plans to extend the clubhouse and install a new toilet block outside. The main field fell within our remit to maintain as of 31 March so grasscutting, general maintenance even dog waste bins on the whole site now fall down to us. There will be more information about dates and times on the website along with an update on progression, as every pair of hands is vital. Please do share a couple of hours on a Saturday morning if you can.

In relation to this year's pre-season fixtures Scott comments: "I've compiled a list of games which provide a variety of opponents at different levels in the football pyramid. It would be nice to see more supporters down at Castle Road creating a vocal atmosphere at pitchside and in the bar before and after games." Hopefully results and new faces will bring some familiar faces back through the gate (or sneaking in through the allotments!)

Reserves and Under 18s

The Reserves plans are coming together nicely thanks to Dean and Andy and will see them feature in the Frys Tournament with the support of both the new Under 18s and some first team squad members or triallists. Scott says: "I've held positive conversations with the Under 18s management team and we shall see them training with the senior squads as they look to progress into men's football and support both the senior sides. I have already identified one member of the 18s side who I plan to feature in a couple of our pre season friendlies to give him exposure to the first team football."

It's a week until we get going for pre season on Monday 19th June.

With new players, last season's squad and old players who had drifted off and fancy coming back very welcome to turn up and have a look. All our pre season sessions will be held at the Club meeting at 6:30 for a 7:00 prompt start.

New players wanting to find out more or speak to the management just turn up or email: media@oldlandfootball.com.