TOM’S BOYS CAN’T WAIT!
Tough start will not deter Borough
TOM LOIZOU believes Haringey Borough have got one of the toughest starts to the new season going – but says the club can’t wait for the Bostik Premier challenge to begin.
Borough will kick-off their first season at Step 3 at home to Bognor Regis Town, who were relegated from the National League South last season, before away trips to Brightlingsea Regent and Leatherhead.
It comes following a season of success for the north London club – who play on White Hart Lane – after winning the Bostik North play-offs back in May.
It capped a season that also saw them reach the FA Cup fourth round qualifying stage and host Leyton Orient in front of a club record crowd of 1,133 in the FA Trophy first round.
Just three years ago Loizou’s side were winning the Essex Senior League and the experienced boss is relishing the new season – despite the tough opening!
“They’re all going to be hard this year but it’s three hard opening fixtures,” Loizou said. “We couldn’t have chosen three harder if we wanted. But it’s great for everyone to get to.
Excited
“Preparations are going OK. We’ve got a few new faces and it’s a matter of everyone getting used to each other.
“They’re all excited and want the season to start already, but obviously we’ve got to get through pre-season first and get the players in the right condition.
“We’re looking at it as a challenge. Hopefully we can get another good FA Cup run this year.
“Obviously the first target is to survive. I’m hoping to finish mid-table. Once we’ve assessed mid-season we should know exactly what we need to do – whether we need to invest to stay up or invest to go up.
“I’ve been in this Premier division before, it’s going to be tough, you have to concentrate all the time and you need a mix of experience.”
Success at these levels often brings departures, with top scorer Ralston Gabriel heading to St Albans City and Andre McCollin and Anthony McDonald also moving on.
The season begins in just under a month’s time and Loizou is sure his side will be fit and firing by then.
“We’ve already had a taste of Dulwich Hamlet, who are now a level higher,” he said. “A big, powerful side and we did OK against them. I would have liked to have seen a full-strength side but we’re not quite ready yet. It’s learning about the new players and them about us. We’re looking forward to it.”