By David Brawn COLNEY Heath joint boss Scott Lacey is looking forward to the challenges ahead as he embarks on his first campaign in management. Lacey swept into power at the end of the last season with fellow ex-Magpie player Wesley Awad

By David Brawn

COLNEY Heath joint boss Scott Lacey is looking forward to the challenges ahead as he embarks on his first campaign in management.

Lacey swept into power at the end of the last season with fellow ex-Magpie player Wesley Awad and the enthusiastic duo hope to galvanise the club in 2008/09.

The squad has been bolstered with new additions, including striker Richard Howard who has departed Southern Football League Division One Midlands outfit Chesham United.

Lacey and Awad masterminded a 1-0 win against Northwood in their first pre-season outing and have lined up plenty more action before the season kicks off against local rivals London Colney in the Herts Charity Shield. Lacey said: "Richie Howard has dropped down to this standard for us and we have five or six new additions, including some players who left in the middle of last year and have come back. The turnout for training has been superb and it is very encouraging at the moment. I would say we are ahead of schedule. There is a good bunch of lads and a spirit forming already."

For the management duo it is an exciting challenge and Lacey is determined the club can push on. He said: "Colney Heath looks like a football club now. It is a family club and a fantastic club to be involved with. There is no reason why it should be dwelling near the bottom of the league.

"Wesley and I did ask for things to be put in place and the committee have been fantastic, they have released more funds than ever for the pitch and I think the surface will be one of the best in the league. The dressing rooms are getting decorated and we have had new furniture in the club house."

Training has been tough and Lacey has hailed the attitude of his squad as they look to build up to top fitness in time to start the campaign well. He said: "The attitude of the lads has been a credit to all of them. Pre-season has probably been the hardest it has ever been down there. We have been doing hill runs and training for two and a half hours every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday."

The Magpies make the trip to local rivals London Colney in the Herts Charity Shield First Round on Tuesday, August 5 with a 7.45pm kick off. They are also in cup action on Saturday, August 16 away at Stotfold in the FA Cup.

On Saturday the Magpies play a double header with Cranfield at the Recreation Ground on what is a family day for anyone who wishes to attend, with music and a barbecue. The first team take on Cranfield at 2pm and the reserves clash at 4pm in what should be a feast of football.

On Tuesday, Colney Heath continue their build up away to Arlesey Athletic and they then play Northwood at home on Saturday, August 2.

The Magpies open their Molten Spartan South Midlands Premier Division campaign at home to Langford on Saturday, August 9 and host Holmer Green on Tuesday, August 12.