We need to know what the players' are like in a game enviornment, says Sittingbourne boss Nick Davis

SITTINGBOURNE manager Nick Davis says he will take a squad of trailists to their opening pre-season game at Crockenhill on Saturday.

The Brickies finished in 12^th place in the Ryman League Division One South last season and travel to the perennial Kent Invicta League strugglers with a new-look team, hoping to impress Davis enough to add them to his first team squad.

Davis’ squad go into the game at Wested Meadow on the back of three training sessions.

“It’s gone pretty well,” said the 33-year-old central defender.

“We’ve had two sessions now.  We had 28 in the first one and 25 in the second. We’ve still got one or two that signed from last year unable to attend.

“It’s been good. It’s been tough but we’ve got the balls out as well so we’re trying to make it enjoyable as well as putting the yardage in.”

Davis revealed that only first team goalkeeper Adam Molly will feature in the warm-up, in what is Liam Kelly’s first game in charge of Crockenhill.

Davis said: “Well, it’s one of the early ones, isn’t it? Well only had three sessions by that time so I know I’ve got some trailists coming down.  You can see them in training so much, it doesn’t tell the full picture. You put them in a game situation and it’s a different scenario all together.

“We need to know what the players’ are like in a game environment so I’m literally throwing all the trailists in on Saturday and maybe Adam Molloy, who is a regular in my side.

“The first team and the ones that have signed will be training at the ground with my coach Barry Crimmen at 11 o’clock so I’ll be taking 18 players down on Saturday just to run the rule over them.”

Davis’ first summer signing is former Tunbridge Wells’ winger, Jake Beecroft, 26, who signed for the club last night.

“He’s a player that we’ve been looking at. In our position we put some money aside and we thought that we had a lot of heart and were very well organised and we had lads who ran into the ground for us and we were an awkward side to play against.

“We found that we needed a little bit more quality, someone who can run with the ball in midfield and make things happen.”

Davis added: “I’ve been loyal to the ones that have done well for me last year and I heard that Beeks could have been available. I rang him and we met and he signed last night.

“I’m delighted because he’s a proven Ryman League player. He’s played in the Conference, Conference South and he’s played in the Ryman Premier and he’s only 26 so it’s a fantastic age and a fantastic signing for the club.

“And the way that we are as a club it just adds a bit of quality to us.”

When asked about the current make-up of his squad, Davis revealed: “I’ve signed 13 so far, I’ve signed 12 from the side that (finished last season).

“I was really pleased how we ended the season. It took a long time because I was planning my squad from January of this year so my pre-season started then really.

“Yes, we needed enough points to stay in the league and out of that 16 (man squad) we had four teenagers and we’ve got a young bunch and hopefully that experience that they gain from the latter part of the season will put us in good stead for the start of this year going forward.”

Davis revealed that he will be spending more time in the technical area than at the heart of defence next season.

He said: “This has been on my mind as well, what do I do?

“It’s too big for me to be able to play, as well, consistently.

“I’ve been pounding the streets running miles and miles this summer and I joined in (with training) last night.

“I may have to play the first couple of games if I have to. It’s not something I really want to do now. I’ll literally be a stop-gap.  This is about Nick Davis being a manager and a coach now.

Davis hopes to find his replacement on Saturday.

“Let’s have a look because we are still looking for four or five potentials to make up the squad.  We’ve got a couple of prospects there.

“It’s just an opportunity for me to see them in a game situation and no disrespect to Crockenhill, they are a few league’s below us, aren’t they?

“I hope for a result. We’re a Ryman League side with Ryman League players and if the players aren’t performing then they’re not going to do it in the Ryman League.”

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Crockenhill  v  Sittingbourne
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 4^th July 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Wested Meadow, Eynsford Road, Crockenhill, Kent BR8 8EJ