Colney Heath a lot stronger this year says boss Ryan Thompson
Jack Woods lifts in a cross for Colney Heath. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
Colney Heath manager Ryan Thompson believes this year’s squad is well-equipped to give the club the success it craves.
Charlie Hunter in action for Colney Heath. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
The Magpies have already tasted some success with their Herts Charity Shield win over WGC in April but officials and supporters want more this season.
Colney Heath's Niall Lysaght. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
And although the balance of youth and experience has been a characteristic of the side in the last year or so, the Recreation Ground gaffer thinks he has got the mix almost spot on ahead of the new campaign.
Colney Heath's Jack Woods. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
He said: “We didn’t have enough experience last year that’s for sure although we’ve got a lot of young kids coming through.
Colney Heath's Callum Dudrenec. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
“And some of these youngsters are now a year old in terms of having played last year so the balance is good, we’ve just got to work on the partnerships.
Colney Heath's Callum Dudrenec. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
“We just want to win every game and see where it takes us. We want to do really well and the club craves a bit of success.
Colney Heath manager Ryan Thompson. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
“I don’t want to say we’re going to do this or that, we’ve just got to go along and make sure we’re right, make sure the attitude is good and compete in every game.
Colney Heath's Danny Fitzgerald. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
Most Read
- 1 Man wanted for criminal damage at The Horn pub
- 2 Omicron variant: Confirmed case in Hertfordshire says health boss Jim McManus
- 3 St Albans named among UK's best places for Christmas activities
- 4 Hit and run on deadly Redbourn Road
- 5 Community design group 'ignored' over Alban Arena redevelopment
- 6 St Albans city centre road closures reduce spaces for Blue Badge holders
- 7 Luton Airport expansion approved despite passionate opposition
- 8 Sexual assault onboard train to Harpenden
- 9 St Albans council urges Hertsmere to rethink plans for Bowmans Cross
- 10 What to see in the sky in December: The 'Cold Moon' and meteor showers
“And then hopefully the quality we’ve got will take care of itself and we can push on.”
Colney Heath's Davie Edme. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
Heath continued their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Wodson Park, Harvey Scott-Morris getting both goals.
Colney Heath's Charlie Hunter has a shot at goal. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
Thompson had the luxury of choosing two different teams to play in each half and while that may be too much to carry into the season, he says it is not far off what he wants.
Jack Woods wins a header for Colney Heath against Wodson Park. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
“Some of the players we’ve signed are good players,” he said, “and we’ve still got four more lads to come back.”
Colney Heath's Spencer Clarke-Mardel. Picture: Karyn Haddon - Credit: Archant
“I’ve got a headache but it’s a good headache to have.
“We didn’t have that last year, the team basically picked itself even if it was sometimes square pegs in round holes.
“This season we should be a lot stronger. We’ve good options, probably got two for each position, and there are a lot of good kids still in the reserves.”
The Wodson Park game was played at the Hertforshire Sports Village as the dry conditions wreak havoc. The switch was not ideal though.
Thompson said: “Even on the 3G, you could feel the rubber getting hot and the ball seemed to stick to it at times.
“Everything is a little bit false but what can you do? We’re just looking to get the fitness going. It’s a tough one.”
