My squad's key, says Smith

Hednesford Town boss Rob Smith has spoken of his newly assembled squad's potential as they ready themselves for the start of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division campaign this Saturday, writes Chris Brewerton.

The Pitmen host Frickly Athletic at Keys Park and Smith, into his third season as Hednesford manager, believes his current squad has the potential to achieve great things this year.

"I'm very excited, the lads are a very talented bunch," said the manager. "It will take time to gel together and we are running with a small squad but the potential is huge. I have enjoyed working with this group so much. They have been the breath of fresh air that I needed and we are all ready to go."

High profile new faces, including ex-Bolton Wanderers left winger Nathan Woolfe and the prolific Michael Lennon, are among no less than twelve new arrivals over the summer. But Smith singled out three players remaining from last season who he says now have a real opportunity to push on in the coming campaign.

He insisted: "Darren Campion will produce week in week out but knows he has to work on his discipline. Jamie Osborne is similar and this is a big year for him as he has the ability to be another Chris Clements. Elliott Durrell has missed a lot of football through injury and poor fitness but he has looked a lot fitter in pre-season and he seems really up for it."

Despite the clear potential in his squad Smith was keen to preach a little caution as his new stars get to know each other on and off the pitch in the early stages of what will be a long season.

He added: "There is more talent in the squad than last year and certainly more of a goal threat. However, the team last year had been together a while, and it takes time for players to get to know one another's game. I am confident we will get there but Frickley are unbeaten in preseason and it will be a hard first game."

Smith will be at a 'Meet the Manager' night at Keys Park on Thursday to answer questions from supporters on the eve of the new Evo-Stik NPL season and all fans are welcome to come along and quiz him.

The event start at 8.30pm with the Supporters Association monthly meeting preceding at 7.30pm.