A word with the gaffer.

Marc, a couple weeks since the season ended and after having some time to reflect, how would you sum up the 24/25 campaign?

The season has been a great one. Took a bit time to settle with all the new players and we were very inconsistent early on. We had to trim the squad in October which meant the young lads had to step up and to be fair they did more than that. It’s been great to see them develop and become more streetwise which got us results when we needed them most in the run in, just a shame we couldn’t see out the play off final. However, my feelings on going up were mixed such was the average age. I know the league above is a massive step both on and off the pitch but for me the playing side would have required further work if we were to compete. This isn’t about ability; it’s about experience against hardened opposition at step 4 and I think we need another year or 2 when the young lads have got 100+ senior appearances under their belt. The squad has excellent potential for further growth, so we go again day one of preseason.

Despite performing impressively in the league, our cup showings didn't match that level sadly, an area you'd like to improve on in the upcoming season?

The cups were certainly disappointing although the FA Cup got us to 1st qualifying round it was devastating to lose a 2-0 lead and get knocked out. Playing (and losing) in the Vase just 3 days after our epic away win at North Ferriby was bad timing and was a bit after the lord mayors and was also in that early period of inconsistency. I’d like to think next time around we will be better for that experience.

A busy few weeks before pre-season commences for yourself and the management team, with signings, negotiations, and changes to the squad.....any updates or teasers you can give the fans?

Yeah, it’s been busy but a nice busy to be honest. It’s a time of year I usually hate because everyone is chasing players, but this time around we are settled and it’s more about making sure the current lads are going to be just a as hungry to go again. The interest in the club is massive now and you only had to be at the play off final to experience what it could become on a more regular basis, so we have had players banging down our door to join. Obviously, the squad doesn’t need major surgery, but we have agreed with a couple of players who have been desperate to play for the club and that is refreshing as it’s come before finances, so we know they are here for the right reasons as well as improving our team. There will not be a host of signings like last year because we don’t need to do that but there’s still enough for the fans to get excited about. The lads are already looking forward to preseason which is a very good sign.

Changes to the league have seen Div 1 reduced to 20 teams, with 2 promoted from Div 2, but none relegated from the Premier Division. How will this impact the league and our chances next season?

Yes, less teams again but for the better in my opinion. As mentioned earlier, our cup runs weren’t very long but we still played 52 games which is a lot so 4 less league games will only benefit if we do manage a decent run next season.

The lads head off to Albufeira this weekend for our end of season trip, who are you expecting to be the first fatality?

We jet off for a post season break which everyone fully deserves, and it’ll be nice to share some downtime rather than having the pressure of games when we are usually together. First casualty must be Dan Lister if he doesn’t bring his Factor 100!!