Wrens are ready to roll

With only days now to the start of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign, Rainworth Miners Welfare's Kevin Gee confirmed on Tuesday night that he’s happy with his squad and ready to build on last season’s mid-table finish, writes Paul Fryer.

Gee’s declaration came after two more experienced players committed to the Wrens ahead of Saturday’s opening day clash in First Division South at Loughborough Dynamo.

To ensure he won’t give Dynamo manager Tommy Brookbanks any edge, Gee, pictured, won’t name the players but is more than happy to talk about his aims and address supporters ahead of the new campaign.

Gee, entering his second full season in charge after finishing in 14th spot last term following his arrival at Kirklington Road in October 2011, hopes for a play-off spot but insists fans must be realistic with consolidation the first priority.

Gee said: "The fans desires are not driven by financial realism or budgets, and whilst we both have similar dreams, I am subjected to those restraints. The Evo-Stik Leagues are no different to any other professional or semi-professional ones and finances do play a large part in what you can and cannot achieve. The fact Rainworth are not only playing but becoming competitive at this level [Step 4], is testament to how far we’ve come and the efforts of everyone connected with the club.

"As a club we have always been financially sound, but with a low fan base and no bar income, there are limitations as to what we can and can’t do. We are unable to protect our star players from predatory clubs, by giving them contracts, or to compete with the very wealthy for top players. This has meant we have had to supplement our squad with our development squad players.

"I must give a special mention to one such player, Jordan Claxton, who after playing a few games at the latter end of last season, has now become a full member of the first team squad. There are others in the development squad who have the potential to step up, like Jordan and over the coming months we will hopefully see some of them as well."

Gee is also philosophical about the size of his current squad, numbering 24 his biggest yet at the club, and added: "I appreciate it will get more difficult to keep them happy once everyone is fit, but at this level with upwards of six games in a month, cover is essential to remain competitive. We have a good group of players this year and the balance between experience and youth is just about right.

"We are now ready to start the new campaign this Saturday with a tough away trip to Loughborough Dynamo. I know it’s really important to hit the ground running but the first game of the season is always the hardest to win with many using it as a yardstick as to how their season will go.

"For me it will be the end of September, after seven or eight games, when if we are in the top half and have had a couple of cup wins, I will consider it a great start. In the last couple of seasons Grantham and Belper were down near the bottom but recovered to finish as champions and third and in the play-offs, respectively, so anything is possible."