Calm before the storm

Hello and welcome to another pre-season preview of the up and coming 2016/17 season, its been a busy close season for everyone at county as we prepare to embark on the route to success AKA promotion.

We ended last season on a high note by beating Tranmere in the Cheshire Cup, a possible omen perhaps as when we last won this cup 50 years ago the following season we won promotion.

This season is also 20 years from when we gained promotion in the now infamous 1996/97 season, its seemed crazy to think how fast 20 years passed, I attended pretty much every home game that season with both my parents.

Since then in the 20 years that have gone – both have sadly passed away, I`ve got married and also had a family of my own who now come to the games. Life certainly can be like a revolving door sometimes.

After the celebrations were held after the Cheshire Cup game Marsden signed a new deal, I think he`s a brilliant player who has the potential to do well.

Centre half Michael Clarke signed for us and youngster Adan Etches signed a 2 year deal, following that came the signing of the winger Danny Lloyd.

Danny scored 61 goals in the last 3 seasons so I`m hoping he can do the business for us, another player I`m hoping will do well is ex City player Meppen-Walter who (according to my mate who`s a very devoted City fan) was once billed as the next Kompany.

With Danny Hurst retiring we were quick to pick up ex Flyde keeper Ben Hinchliffe who is the perfect player to have between the sticks at this level, we also signed Josh Amis who scored 18 last season for Northwich Victoria which was a brilliant record considering he was still fighting for his place.

Other notable signings were Gary Stopforth from Salford, Sam Minihan via Worcester and a new deal for Odejayi.

I honestly believe we didn`t see the best from Big K till Gannon came towards the end of last season, I do feel he can bring the best out in him.

So the campaign starts this Saturday against Alfreton followed by away games against Vegas and FCUM who both teams will be treating these games as a cup final. Home ties against Halifax and Brackley before an away game against Telford means we need to hit the ground running to make this season count.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the football Steve Bellis only goes and brings out our new mascot Peggy the Pig, Steve never fails to amaze me and lets hope this little piggy really can save our bacon (I`ll get my coat).

I want to end by saying to the lads the best of luck for this Saturday and I hope everyone of you can make the trip to EP. Please remember to pick up a program early when your at the game, the demand for these have gone up recently and some have even sold out.

I`m not saying that this had anything to do with my AtoZ page but I can only put 2 and 2 together…speaking of which watch out for my new page I`m doing this season, I`m trying something a bit different.

Steve