Optimism is high before curtain raiser
COLWYN Bay are in optimistic mood as they kick off their Evostik Premier campaign away to Halesowen Town this Saturday.
After completing their pre-season programme with a 3-0 victory over Welsh Premier side Rhyl last weekend, to make it two wins, four draws and just one defeat in seven games, manager Ash Hoskin says he is “very happy” before the league opener.
“When we started training six weeks ago we were optimistic about the players we were trying to bring in and I think everyone can see from then to the first half performance against Rhyl, which was exceptional, how we have progressed,” said the Seagulls boss.
“There is great spirit and banter in the dressing room and, for me, a happy dressing room is a winning dressing room.
“I have had a word with the two or three lads who probably won’t make the 16 on Saturday and offered to put them out on loan, as clubs have come in for them, but they all want to stay and fight for their place which is fantastic.”
Skipper Wes Baynes also recently rejected an approach from Vanarama National League North club Brackley Town to stay at Bay, and believes the club can mount a promotion challenge.
“I have won this league with Chester so I know what it takes and I believe we have the quality of player here to do well,” he says.
Baynes refused to even talk to Brackley, despite the offer of more money, saying: “I enjoyed myself here last season and although a few clubs approached me in the summer, once I had spoken to Ash it was always Colwyn Bay where I wanted to be.”
Chris Sharp and Rob Hopley are starting to forge a promising partnership up front, the latter appearing to have a new lease of life after being appointed assistant-boss.
He has scored four times in pre-season and goes into Saturday’s game just two short of 100 competitive goals for the club.
The Seagulls dominated the first half against Rhyl, scoring all three in the opening 27 minutes through Sharp, Carl Rodgers and Hopley.