Sean Eardley is preparing his Caernarfon Town side for the challenge of returning to the JD Welsh Premier League.
The Cofis manager is under no illusions how hard a task it will be, taking the North Walian side back to the top flight for the first time since 2007-08.
Eardley’s side marched to promotion last term, leading the Huws Gray title charge with 66 points ahead of new Rhyl boss Eddie Maurice-Jones’ former club Denbigh Town.
Despite being young in terms of managerial experience, having only taken over from Iwan Williams earlier last season, he is excited about the challenge that lies ahead of him, and Eardley is already putting the players through their paces.
In their third week, the manager is impressed by the condition of his players.
“The boys have come back in great shape in fairness. The WPL is a whole different animal altogether and we have to be at our optimum in order to compete.”
The prospect ahead of the side next season is enormous. In an ever-competitive top flight, the new boys will have to be at their best next term. But, the manager is using pre-season as an opportunity to ensure his players are ready in all facets.
“As a management we want to make sure we have done everything we can to help the players prepare physically, mentally and tactically. Technically we have a good group so the pre season games will allow us to dust the cobwebs off and hit the ground running.”
Having gained promotion from the second tier last season, after challenging at the upper end of the table for the previous two seasons, it could have been easy for the club to head into the next season with a very similar set of players.
The club can already boast a number of former Welsh Premier League players, but Eardley and his backroom staff moved quickly to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign, as Ross Stephens, Cai Jones, Ben Maher and Sion Bradley linked up with the club, as well as retaining a large proportion of the current squad.
“The majority of last years squad have re-signed, coupled with a few new signings I believe we have good options all over the pitch, we will continue to work hard over pre season and we’ll be raring to go come the opening day against the Druids!
“Ross Stephens brings quality and bags of experience; I feel he’s someone the younger players can turn to for advice. Ben brings bags of energy and is very versatile so he possesses good qualities. Brads again brings another attacking option as well as Cai Jones, and between them offer physicality, skill and excitement and I’m looking forward to working with all of them.”
Whilst preparations are only now getting underway for the 2018/19 season, all focus at the moment is on the JD Welsh Premier League opener.
Eardley has previous coaching experience in the top flight, having previously been Assistant Manager at Llandudno Town. But, the chance to lead his own side into the WPL opener is something he’s excited about and believes his side can be competitive next term provided they prepare effectively.
“I’m buzzing to be honest, for the players, management, the board and of course the supporters. We’ll certainly bring the 12th man with us and give it a right go, we all want to succeed together.”
“Our aim is to be competitive in every game, play with no fear but play intelligently, and to have no regrets. I won’t speak about league positions etc but to stabilise would be a realistic and achievable target.”
“With excitement and good preparation week in and week out. As I said earlier we will prepare meticulously, but the players must possess a drive and belief that they can get a result, which I’m sure they will!”
(Featured Image: Oval Ways)
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