Lacey praises club’s development

COLNEY Heath boss Scott Lacey believes the club has made major strides during the close season.

Not content with a best ever finish of fifth in the South Midlands Premier Division last season the club has made major changes both on and off the pitch.

On the playing front Lacey and fellow boss Wes Awad have snapped up striker Kevin Cooper, brother of Magpies’ goals machine Ian, from Hertford, midfielder Phil Bennett from Bedfont and centre-half Glenn Draper from Barton.

“They are huge acquisitions,” Lacey told the Herts Advertiser of the new arrivals. “All three are quality players.

“We’ve had four targets in mind and we’ve managed to get three of the four. Talks are ongoing with the other and with a little bit of luck we’ll get all four.”

Talking of the potential all-Cooper strikeforce, Lacey said: “There’ll be plenty of goals and plenty of competition, but I’m not sure they’ll have many assists for each other!”

The club have agreed a groundshare with Herts Senior County League Division One side St Peter’s, a move that’s got the thumbs up from Lacey, and have been busy restructuring the club off the field.

“The club has moved on considerably off the field to get the standard up. Gaining promotion is the target and it’s great to see the club and the board fully behind trying to achieve that.

“We’ve agreed a groundshare with St Peter’s which I think will benefit both parties. We’ve also tried to improve the reserves who will now compete in the Capital League alongside the likes of Boreham Wood and Hitchin.”

Only Liam Beaumont, who is training with Premier Division rivals Royston Town, is not expected to return from last season’s squad and Lacey is pleased the atmosphere remains positive despite the dip in form at the end of last season.

“The players seem to be enjoying training and there is a great atmosphere,” explained Lacey.

“To have players like James Dillnutt and Paul Armstrong for a whole season will be great, and I’m really looking forward to next season.”