pre-season

[KenR]

two more quality friendlies to look forward to this week, -not.

[Spooky]

Its one thing getting match fitness in friendlies, but at some point you have to play strong teams as well so you can find your weak points. These teams are not going to do that.

On the plus side, the photos of ground are looking really good

[Wheels]

I wouldn't take where Worcester are as necessary a guide as to the quality of the side they will have I'm suspecting they will want to be promoted as quickly as possible so will have a side better quality than the league they are in.

[lutleyyeltz]

two more quality friendlies to look forward to this week, -not.

Very similar to AVFC, Ken.

[Laurel Lane Lamper]

I wouldn't take where Worcester are as necessary a guide as to the quality of the side they will have I'm suspecting they will want to be promoted as quickly as possible so will have a side better quality than the league they are in.

They have at least 4 ex-Yeltz and one of them could provide added entertainment
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8XPDwhCzl4U

And there's Joint Manager Snapper

[lutleyyeltz]

My opinion re: "friendlies" is that it really doesn't count for much.
All teams need to add to fitness already attained.
Playing weaker sides and scoring a few goals gives confidence and momentum. Conversely, playing much stronger teams can lead to heavy defeats and the resultant dip in confidence.
You pays your money and takes your choice - it's what happens from August 12th onwards that matters.
Just my amateurish view, of course.

[piearce9]

I do agree that we're not challenging ourselves enough with the opposition in some of these pre-season fixtures and I don't think it's entirely unrelated that we've got of to a limp start in the last few campaigns. That said, I do think it's a positive that so many of the squad have been retained and that a core of signings was done early, which I imagine gives us a better chance of hitting the ground running.

I had a quick visit into The Grove yesterday and there are some real noticeable improvements happening around the place. The pitch side fencing looks much better (albeit only against the Harry Rudge atm) and I do think it'll make the site look considerably nicer not to have those concrete walls around the perimeter.

And (at the risk of being controversial (again)) the pitch looks miles better. It's not flawless- but it's flatter, greener and neater than it has been in many, many seasons.

[piearce9]

(Might be able to take the asterisks out of the pitch now as well )

[andy]

And (at the risk of being controversial (again)) the p*t*h looks miles better. It's not flawless- but it's flatter, greener and neater than it has been in many, many seasons.

That's good to hear. Look forward to seeing it.