Hythe Town boss Clive Cook: The season ahead will be a tough one

HYTHE TOWN manager Clive Cook says he can’t wait for the season to start.

 

The Cannons finished their Ryman League Division One South campaign in the top four but were thrashed 7-0 at Worthing in the play-off semi-final.

Hythe Town kick-off their pre-season campaign on Saturday with a trip to newly-promoted side Bearsted, who are preparing for their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division debut campaign after claiming the Kent Invicta League title last season.

Cook’s charges will be going into the Otham warm-up with three training sessions under their belts.

He said: “It’s slowly taking a bit of shape. The boys have come back in pretty good nick and are working hard in these sessions.

“The atmosphere is very good and they all seem to be enjoying it being back together as they are a tight knit group.

“The new lads are fitting in well with the group so no problems there, so at the moment everyone is working very hard to get their level of fitness back up to speed.”

Cook is looking forward to Saturday’s Honey Lane opener.

“Saturday is our first 90 minutes of pre-season.  They move into the SCEFL Premier as champions of their previous league so they will be a good side and it will be a good first 90 minute opener for us.

“Player wise, we have four away, but it gives me a chance to look at the strength of the squad in general.

“I am looking forward to getting going again on the pitch.”

Cook admitted he’s facing a tough season ahead.

“The season ahead will be a tough one as a lot of very good teams have come into the league and the teams already there have strengthened their squads so in my opinion there are no easy games in this league and should be an exciting season for all clubs,” he said.

The FA Cup, FA Trophy and FA Vase Draws are being made tomorrow lunchtime, while Ryman League fixtures are released on Friday 15 July.

Cook said: “Tomorrow is the FA Cup and Trophy draw which is always something to look forward to and next week the League fixtures are out so lots of exciting times ahead. I can’t wait!”

Bearsted, meanwhie, have confirmed that they do not charge admission for pre-season games.

Visit Hythe Town’s website: www.hythetownfc.co.uk

Bearsted  v  Hythe Town
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 9^th July 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Honey Lane, Otham, Kent ME15 8RG