Matt Clarke quick to downplay expectations ahead of Halesowen Town's season opener

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AwayDayYeltz
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Matt Clarke quick to downplay expectations ahead of Halesowen Town's season opener

Post by AwayDayYeltz » 10 Aug 2018, 13:13

ASSISTANT manager Matt Clarke insists avoiding a relegation scrap remains Halesowen Town's first priority despite a host of eye-catching summer signings.

The Yeltz are used to being in a survival fight but have added some experienced campaigners in the form of former Wolves striker Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and attacking midfielder Andy Howarth.

Fans' favourite Tom Warmer has returned to the Grove and former Oxford United striker James Roberts, 22, is the latest to link up.

Add in Matt Baker, Aaron Gilpin and Sam Tonks and Hales look to have had a successful summer.

Key men Lee Hughes, Ahmed Ali, Ivor Lawton, Danny Bragoli, Asa Charlton and Dan Platt are also among the top names to re-sign for the club ahead of life in the newly-former Southern League Central Division.

However, Clarke feels that avoiding any relegation worries should be first on the agenda ahead of this Saturday's season opener at home to Lowestoft Town (3pm kick-off).

He said: "Pre-season has gone quite well and we all just want to crack on now and get the season underway.

"We're happy that we've been able to add more quality to the squad, which is something we were keen to do. We'd still like to add a couple more if they become available but I think we have got a good blend of youth and experience.


"We're not going to set ourselves any crazy targets. For the last three seasons we have been fighting against relegation and should have gone down last season if there had been two relegation places. We got away with it and need to make sure we aren't in that situation this season.

"If we can finish mid-table and steer ourselves away from the bottom then it will have been a good season. Who knows where we could end up if it all clicks together in the right places but we certainly won't be putting any pressure on ourselves and won't be unrealistic about our chances.

"There are still some real big hitters in this league with big budgets to match."

On the Hughes, Ebanks-Blake partnership, he added: "They haven't played together too often in pre-season but they have done well when they have been together and shown some nice touches. They clearly have the makings of a dangerous partnership.

"We also have a very exciting youngster in James Roberts and a fans' favourite in Derek Agbor, so rotation will be key."

Clarke hopes fans can turn out in force for their opening clash of the season.

That will be followed by a trip to Banbury United next Tuesday night.

"We have had a report on Lowestoft and they are a young but talented team and it is going to be a tough first game," said Clarke. "It is good to start at home and it'd be great if we could start with a win. The important thing is that you don't get beaten in the first game.

"Hopefully the fans can come down and get behind us again. They have been fantastic in pre-season and there is a real buzz around the place after the take-over."
From Halesowen News

http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/sport/16 ... on-opener/
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Sanmiguel
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Re: Matt Clarke quick to downplay expectations ahead of Halesowen Town's season opener

Post by Sanmiguel » 10 Aug 2018, 20:12

Hopefully our future management team of Sneekes and Hughes are feeling more positive

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