Cleethorpes’ Smith’s eyes on promotion
CLEETHORPES Town boss Dave Smith aims to go one better than last season by winning promotion from the Northern Premier League Division One East.
The Owls finished third after an excellent campaign but went down 2-1 at home to Stockton Town in the play-off semi-final.
Smith’s men began pre-season training this week with a squad that has seen five new signings with the possibility of more to come.
Boss Smith told the Grimsby Telegraph: “We aim to go one better than last season, but we know it’s not going to be easy.
“Every year clubs around us strengthen, squads change, and investment comes into the league.
“We’ve done our business early to make sure we get a good squad in and get them fit.
“We have some exciting new additions in the squad, and I can see the new lads weighing things up and for me as a manager that’s a good thing to have.
“I want to see the new lads on the pitch and see the lads who have played for us for a while. They’ve got better every year and they’ll get better this year.
“Pre-season has come round quickly but it feels good to be back amongst the boys. These are exciting times for us.”
As a reward for last season’s outstanding efforts, Smith has been awarded a two-year extension on his contract.
He said: “I am very thankful to the club for the trust and faith they’ve put in me.
“It secures me and my management team because they come with me.
“I think we’ve got the right people to do it. This is my club, my home. To be able to help achieve something is a big driver for me.”
The club’s statement read: “Dave has spent 10 years with the club and his effort and commitment remains exceptional.
“He will be joined by his equally exceptional management team”
The Owls kick-off their pre-season campaign next Saturday with a friendly against Whitley Bay at home (3pm) followed by the traditional encounter with the Mariners on July 9 (2pm) in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd.