London Colney’s new boss Jim Nicholls is optimistic ahead of the new season after assembling a young squad that has ‘no fear’.
Nicholls was in charge of the Blueboys’ reserve side last year but has stepped up to the first-team after Ryan Thompson announced he was stepping down. And it’s been a promising start for Nicholls as Colney wrapped up their pre-season with a 4-3 win over Letchworth Garden City Eagles.
Nicholls has added exciting young players in the likes of Sam Doolan from Boreham Wood, who could be the ‘signing of the season’, and goalkeeper Jack Smith, twin of centre-back Tom, and retained key members of last year’s squad such as Greg Shaw and Jimmy Warner.
All in all, Colney boast a young, inexperienced squad but Nicholls sees his players’ age as a positive.
“They don’t have any fear because they have no preconceived ideas on the other teams,” he said.
“Plus they are more willing to take on instructions. The training sessions have been decent in terms of how I want them to play. It’s pretty exciting; we think we can do something in the league this year.
“I can’t wait for the season to start; it’s been a long, but good pre-season.”
So what are the aims for the Blueboys after back-to-back seventh placed finishes in the SSML Premier Division?
“We want to start the season in the right way and get three points,” said Nicholls.
“After that, we’re aiming for a higher finish and a couple of cup finals after reaching a few semis last year. We’ve added quality players and we have enough to challenge the top teams.”
The Blueboys’ first challenge of the league season comes in the form of Tring at Cotlandswick on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Nicholls has seen them play and is expecting an energetic encounter.
“It’s going to be fast paced and there will be goals. Hopefully we put the ball in the net more than them and start the season with three points.”
n The Blueboys are through to the next round of the Herts Charity Shield after beating Hoddesdon 5-0. Full report online.
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