The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

“STILL MUCH HARD WORD AHEAD” - FUNK

RAINWORTH MW manager Rudy Funk gave a ‘so far so good’ message this week after the Wrens had completed their third friendly in seven days, writes Gordon Foster.

Last Tuesday Rainworth were leading 2-1 at NCEL Division One Staveley when the game was brought to a premature end by a freak injury to Staveley’s Josh Wright with the Wrens leading 2-1 from a Craig Mitchell double strike.

On Saturday Chris Hewitt’s goal cancelled out Eccleshill United’s second minute opener in a 1-1 draw, and last night (Monday) the Wrens drew 1-1 at Blidworth Welfare with Brendan Sweeney on target.

Speaking after the game at Blidworth, Funk said: “I’ve enjoyed all three matches so far although of course we must wish Josh Wright a speedy recovery.

“We’re looking at certain players and certain systems, but at this stage of our preparations it’s mainly about work rate and about the minutes that players are getting under their belts.

“I’m quite pleased with everything so far, but in saying that I must emphasise that a lot of hard work still lies ahead for us.

“Each game we have played we have featured different players, that’s what pre-season is all about, but come 21st August we will be ready with the right people to do the job.
“Tonight we told the lads to get the ball forward as quickly as possible an increase the pace of the game, because we will see a lot of that in the league we are now in, so from that point of view it was a good workout against a very good Blidworth side.

“There are one or two players still to feature in our forthcoming games, For the present the jig-saw pieces are on the table ready to be put together, but it will be completed and we will be ‘all right on the night’”

Rainworth’s next two friendlies are likely to be testing occasions, with a trip to Evo-Stik League Premier Division Hucknall Town on Saturday followed next Tuesday by the only home game in the pre-season programme, against Blue Square Bet North side Eastwood Town.

RESEVES ANNOUNCEMENT IMMINENT

Rainworth are set to announce the identities of their reserve side’s management team within the next few days.
Manager Funk said: “It’s looking very good but there are one or two details to be finalised before we make the announcement.

“However, I’m delighted by how things are progressing and at the same time I would like to express my thanks to the previous reserves managers Russell Lovett and Ivan Walters for their contributions over the past few seasons.”
The reserves begin their programme in the Central Midlands Reserve Supreme Division on 14th August with a home game against Holbrook Sports.

Remaining August fixtures are 21st Mickleover Sports (h); 24th Dunkirk (a); 28th Belper Town (h); 30th Graham Street Prims (h).

HOME DERBY IN PRESIDENTS CUP

Rainworth have been handed a home local derby in the preliminary round of the Evo-Stik League President’s Cup. Former Wrens coach Les McJannet will be bringing his Carlton Town side to Kirklington Road for the tgie on Tuesday, 21st September.

Meanwhile Rainworth have been handed a bye in the preliminary round of the League Cup.

KIRKLINGTON ROAD COMINGS AND GOINGS

The vast majority of last season’s promotion winning squad have re-signed for Rainworth, but a handful of players have left the club. Massiah McDonald is understood to have joined Division One South rivals Carlton Town, while Jermain Hollis is believed to have joined Eastwood Town.

Barry Alberry, who announced his retirement during the close season, has gone to Teversal as assistant manager, while neither James Whitehead nor Simon Asquith have re-signed.

On the incoming side, 19-year-old wide player Aaron Moxon has joined after being released by Doncaster Rovers, having figured in their reserve side, and former Clipstone Welfare brothers central defender Michael and striker Chris Hewitt have joined. Chris was with Grantham Town last season and also has UniBond League experience with Carlton Town and Shepshed Dynamo, while Michael has just completed his university studies.

Competing with established goalkeeper Mark Hales for the jersey is Sam Dobbs, who has been recruited from Nostell MW.

Former Belper Town and Matlock Town left back Lewis Jackson has signed from Hallam, and ex-Notts County youngster Lee Hunt, a central defender, returns for his second spell with the club having played for Shirebrook Town last season, along with another ex-Shirebrook and Blidworth defender James Tagg.

Completing the list of newcomers so far is right-side forward Leighton Simmonds who has played for Blue Square North side Hinckley United, and midfielder Danny Leah.

SPORTMENS EVENING

Rainworth’s next major fund-raising event is a sportsmen’s evening in the Miners’ Welfare on Thursday, 23rd September (7.30pm), when guest speakers are ex-Ajax, Liverpool and Denmark star Jan Molby, along with top comedian Brendan Healy.

Tickets at £30 include a high quality buffet along with the usual heads and tails, and Irish bingo, and are available from Sue Funk (01623 796910/07976 799295) or Les Lee (01623 490053/07740 576958).