JODY BANIM has shrugged off ASHTON UNITED’s newly-acquired status as big spenders. As far as he’s concerned, he and the club are approaching the new BetVictor NPL premier division season in the same way as any other.
“Do I feel any pressure? I soon will do considering the number of people who keep asking me that question,” said the Robins boss.
“I’m under no more pressure than I would normally put myself as a player or a manager. Whether we have £10 in the bank or £1,000, there’s no difference. We still want promotion just as we did when we had half the wage bill we have now. The ambition’s exactly the same.”
Ahead of tomorrow (Saturday’s) home game with Atherton Collieries, Banim has signed midfielder James Hooper from Chorley. Casian Anghel has gone to Wythenshawe Town on a month’s loan.
Striker Steve Tames remains injured but has started on what Banim says is a slow and steady road to recovery.
HYDE UNITED could have to start their campaign at home to fancied Basford Town without Tom Pratt who has bruised ribs. Harry Benns (ankle) and Cain Noble (thigh) are definitely out.
Only five of last season’s players remain at STALYBRIDGE CELTIC as manager Simon Haworth looks to avoid another relegation battle
He has added three names to his squad as he completes his preparations for the visit to Mickleover Sports. Defender Jack O’Leary joins on dual registration, while Curzon and Celtic academy graduates Khalid Kharufa and Joe Mensah are promoted to the first team squad.
High-profile arrivals include Manchester United loanee Alex Fojticek, Aberystwyth Town skipper Declan Walker, and Nathan Valentine who has made the switch from Scarborough who visit Bower Fold on Tuesday.
It’s a similar picture in the south-east division where Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison have retained only three men from last season’s GLOSSOP NORTH END squad.
The Hillmen are home to Stamford and Band said: “We’ve had mixed results in the friendlies but a lot of questions have been answered. We’re ready for tomorrow’s game and looking forward to the new campaign.”
A horsefly bite rules Dieter Downey out of MOSSLEY’S trip to Ossett United in the north-west division. The sting has become infected causing Downey’s knee to swell up badly.
Andy Keogh starts a three-game suspension and Astley Mulholland could be out until late October with a broken shin.
DROYLSDEN take on Colne at the Butchers Arms. Assistant-boss Aeon Lattie commented: “I’m excited as it’s the start of a new season.
“We have a few injuries, which isn’t ideal, but I’m not complaining. We also have one or two players who are unavailable.”
CURZON ASHTON, will be looking to make it five games unbeaten when they meet Kidderminster Harriers at the Tameside Stadium in National League North.
Manager Mark Bradshaw will be picking from the same squad that faced Darlington on Monday.
Matt Regan and James Baillie are going out on loan to gain much-needed match fitness.