Ward gives trialists a chance to shine

TRIALISTS’ wishing to impress Jim Ward have their chance on Tuesday night when Ramsgate stage a behind-closed-doors match to find some gems ahead of their Ryman Premier League campaign.

There are fourteen more days before the Rams welcome Blue Square South outfit Welling United in their opening pre-season friendly.

And Ward, speaking to www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk, is happy with the way the first week of pre-season training has gone.

“We started training last Saturday with 22 of the first team squad down here,” he said.

“Today Steve Butler’s putting them through their paces. Everything’s going to plan at the moment. The four sessions that we’ve had have been good.

“Mark Harrop took last Saturday and Butler’s taken Tuesday, Thursday and today. It’s been stamina work today, for the legs and chest. No ball work, just a couple of hours of good hard running.”

Ward has already pencilled in his first-choice squad and says players will be disappointed when they find they’re being left out.

“On Tuesday night we have our first match, behind closed doors, with possible against probables,” revealed the Scot.

“This will give me a little feel of what we’ve got before I go on holiday next Thursday, so I can see what these new lads are like.

“I’ve got eight or nine new lads here, some are trialists and some are already signed on contract, so I want to get my head together about what I’ve actually got.

“I’m looking forward to the season. I feel a bit excited when I sit down and write possible teams and starting elevens. It’s amazing the players that are bring left out. I think we’ll be alright.”

The Ryman League fixtures are expected to be published on Tuesday, 15th July.

Article courtesy of www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk