Derby Evening Telegraph Sports Reporter James McClane
Alfreton Town Season Diary 2023/2024
Welcome Reds. Over the coming season I'll be bringing you a monthly review of all things Alfreton to look back on, what will hopefully be, a successful season. They'll be ups, and they'll be downs, they'll be wins, and they'll be loses. And it certainly it won't be boring.
Here's to a enjoyable season for this great little club.
July -
Shockwaves rumbled through the Impact Arena as news came out that manager Billy Heath had left the club. He was quoted as saying that "Despite overwelming love for the club, and a passion to see them do well, I just feel as though it isn't the right time for me to be the manager".
Rumours swirled for days on who would replace the fan favourite, but then a press conference was announced for 26th June to unveil the new man at the helm.
Step forward Jake Stevenson, a complete unknown, but someone who impressed the club's hierarchy with his record Mickleover Village, where he went the equivalent of two whole seasons unbeaten. They also spoke of being overwhelmingly enthused with his vision for the club, and the style of play he wanted to bring to the team. "I don't believe in possession for possession's sake. I'm not one for hoofball, but I like to get the ball between the lines quickly. When this reported asked him what he would bring to the club, that other managers haven't, he replied, multifractally "A desire, and a will to win. I hate losing a game of football, it's the worst feeling in the world. And from now on, it's this club's job to ensure we don't have that feeling very often".
During his time at Mickleover, Stevenson deployed various formations so has said he will adapt to the players he has at this disposal. Regardless of the formation, his philosophy and work ethic will remain the same. He believes in pressing his opponents as much as possible, so warned his new charges that preseason was going to be tough. "I never want the other team to have easy possession, I want them to have to battle for every touch. I want them worn down even before the half time whistle goes, so the lads will need to be in peak condition to maintain that standard".
The message appeared to get through to the players as their focus during preseason was sharp from the off. They started their pre-season preparation by beating Long Eaton United 3-0 new signing Ben Starkie grabbed the first, and newly appointed club captain Adam Lund scored the other two. Stevenson's players looked sharp on the ball and quick with their movement within a 4-5-1 formation.
More eye catching results followed as the side racked up another five victories including an incredible 13-0 win over Dronfield. Equally impressive was a 3-0 victory over a strong Vanarama National side Bromley, new striker Ryan Taylor scored just before half time to take his pre-season tally to 6 in 4 games.
On the signings front, there weren't many from the new boss. Heath had already re-tooled the squad bringing in a raft of players, including midfielder Billy Fewster from Notts Forest, experienced defenders Shaun Brisley & Kennedy Digie, and exciting young full backs Harry Perritt & Will Grewal-Pollard. Grewall-Pollard in particular has caught the eye with his willingness to get forward and whip in dangerous crosses, something his new boss is very keen to exploit. "I'd watched Will play for the Derby youth sides and was always very impressed. I'm surprised that teams higher up haven't taken a gamble on him, 'cus I think he'll be a very good player in the future". The only signing Stevenson has made so far is ex Tottenham youngster Kallum Cesay to bolster the midfield, and judging by his all action displays in friendlies, he will soon become a fan favourite.
Enthusiasm & excitement appeared to be the buzz words around the club. Players & staff appeared focused and enjoying training, and there was a real sense that they could hit the ground running once the real games got underway.
Alfreton Town Season Diary 2023/2024
Welcome Reds. Over the coming season I'll be bringing you a monthly review of all things Alfreton to look back on, what will hopefully be, a successful season. They'll be ups, and they'll be downs, they'll be wins, and they'll be loses. And it certainly it won't be boring.
Here's to a enjoyable season for this great little club.
July -
Shockwaves rumbled through the Impact Arena as news came out that manager Billy Heath had left the club. He was quoted as saying that "Despite overwelming love for the club, and a passion to see them do well, I just feel as though it isn't the right time for me to be the manager".
Rumours swirled for days on who would replace the fan favourite, but then a press conference was announced for 26th June to unveil the new man at the helm.
Step forward Jake Stevenson, a complete unknown, but someone who impressed the club's hierarchy with his record Mickleover Village, where he went the equivalent of two whole seasons unbeaten. They also spoke of being overwhelmingly enthused with his vision for the club, and the style of play he wanted to bring to the team. "I don't believe in possession for possession's sake. I'm not one for hoofball, but I like to get the ball between the lines quickly. When this reported asked him what he would bring to the club, that other managers haven't, he replied, multifractally "A desire, and a will to win. I hate losing a game of football, it's the worst feeling in the world. And from now on, it's this club's job to ensure we don't have that feeling very often".
During his time at Mickleover, Stevenson deployed various formations so has said he will adapt to the players he has at this disposal. Regardless of the formation, his philosophy and work ethic will remain the same. He believes in pressing his opponents as much as possible, so warned his new charges that preseason was going to be tough. "I never want the other team to have easy possession, I want them to have to battle for every touch. I want them worn down even before the half time whistle goes, so the lads will need to be in peak condition to maintain that standard".
The message appeared to get through to the players as their focus during preseason was sharp from the off. They started their pre-season preparation by beating Long Eaton United 3-0 new signing Ben Starkie grabbed the first, and newly appointed club captain Adam Lund scored the other two. Stevenson's players looked sharp on the ball and quick with their movement within a 4-5-1 formation.
More eye catching results followed as the side racked up another five victories including an incredible 13-0 win over Dronfield. Equally impressive was a 3-0 victory over a strong Vanarama National side Bromley, new striker Ryan Taylor scored just before half time to take his pre-season tally to 6 in 4 games.
On the signings front, there weren't many from the new boss. Heath had already re-tooled the squad bringing in a raft of players, including midfielder Billy Fewster from Notts Forest, experienced defenders Shaun Brisley & Kennedy Digie, and exciting young full backs Harry Perritt & Will Grewal-Pollard. Grewall-Pollard in particular has caught the eye with his willingness to get forward and whip in dangerous crosses, something his new boss is very keen to exploit. "I'd watched Will play for the Derby youth sides and was always very impressed. I'm surprised that teams higher up haven't taken a gamble on him, 'cus I think he'll be a very good player in the future". The only signing Stevenson has made so far is ex Tottenham youngster Kallum Cesay to bolster the midfield, and judging by his all action displays in friendlies, he will soon become a fan favourite.
Enthusiasm & excitement appeared to be the buzz words around the club. Players & staff appeared focused and enjoying training, and there was a real sense that they could hit the ground running once the real games got underway.