STOURPORT Swifts’ manager Neil Hunt is hoping his new-look side will gel quickly as they travel to British Gas Business Premier Division outfit Yate Town in the FA Trophy first qualifying round.
The Walshes Meadow boss has brought in five new faces in the last three weeks after he was left disappointed by the start of their campaign.
The latest arrival at the Division One Midlands club, defender Andy Jones from Hednesford Town, will make his Swifts debut at Lodge Road on Saturday (3pm).
Hunt is all too aware that it will take time for the team to gel but, with £2,300 on offer to the winners, he will be keen for the new faces to click into place quickly.
“It’s been a disappointing start,” Hunt said. “That is why I have gone out and signed new players in the last couple of weeks.
“People like Chris Cornes and Duane Darby need games, Cornes especially because then we will get to see what a talent he is.
“By the end of November, I’m confident you’ll be able to see the best of my team.”
But the Walshes Meadow boss won’t want to wait until the end of next month to start seeing some results.
Swifts’ last exploits in a cup competition left the club red-faced after a 7-0 thrashing at Unibond Division One South side Shepshed Dynamo in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Stourport chairman Chris Reynolds is confident he won’t see a repeat performance.
“We have had Yate watched and I think they are beatable,” he said.
“If we can get our act together, we can get a result.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here