Tunbridge Wells boss Jason Bourne: The last campaign was disappointing but that’s all behind us now and we’ll use that as a check point to crack on and improve this term

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Jason Bourne says he will sign six players following their opening pre-season friendly against Wick tomorrow.

The Wells travel down to Sussex to contest the Dave Knell Cup at Crabtree Park and Bourne is keen to improve on last season’s disappointing Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign where the club finished in 15^th place, having collected 37 points from their 38 league games.

“Firstly, I am proud to put out a side in memory of Dave Knell, who was a loyal and hard-working servant to the club, so tomorrow will be a good occasion for all involved, especially Dave’s family,” said Bourne.

“This is the first time the club has played Wick away so we’re all looking forward to the hospitality at Cabtree Park.

“We have had a tough week where the boys have really worked hard in all three training sessions, so this fixture is an ideal way to get pre-season really going with game time and take a look at the new faces to the club.

“Nobody will complete more than 45 minutes on Saturday so we will take 22 lads, which will be a mix of last year’s squad, some exciting new faces and the best of our under 21’s that will be involved this year.”

Bourne has yet revealed his summer signings so far but will do so as soon as the League forms come out tomorrow.

“It’s always tough bringing players in during the off-season as the forms are not out until tomorrow, so although we have agreed with a few lads you can’t pin them down and to be honest a few have gone away to bigger and better offers elsewhere,” said Bourne.

“Having said that, we will sign forms tomorrow with five or six new players to improve the side.

“The down side to that is the reality of football and players will have to make way but we have an open mind and what our current squad to step-up rather  than go out to make it hard for us to whittle it down.

“The last campaign was disappointing but that’s all behind us now and we’ll use that as a check point to crack on and improve this term.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.com

Wick  v  Tunbridge Wells
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 1 July 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Crabtree Park, Coomes Way, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 7LP