DUCKS WANT TO MAKE A SPLASH

Ben will have a quack at the title

AMBITIOUS Aylesbury United manager Ben Williams has urged his troops to stay hungry if they want another tilt at promotion.

The Ducks lay fifth – in the final play-off position – in Southern League Division Once Central when the season was cut short back in March.

With the campaign eventually being declared null and void, it means Aylesbury will face all the same opposition again at Step 4.

But boss Williams doesn’t want his troops to think that another play-off shot will be easy.

“We set a high standard last season and it’s up to the players to come back with the same heart, desire and workrate to get back up there again,” said the 43-year-old, who took charge permanently in early 2018.

“Twitter is going mad with clubs signing players and a lot seem to be strengthening in our league, but there’s no reason why the play-offs shouldn’t be our aim.

“We have steadily built over the last two or three years and anything less would be a step backwards.”

After last season’s impressive displays, it’s understandable that Williams is only planning to tinker with his squad rather than overhaul it.

Example

“We made a few additions last summer, they gelled really well and it was a fantastic season for us,” he told The NLP. “We try to get the ball down as much as possible and I thoroughly enjoyed watching us play.

“I’m quite a loyal manager and we have a core group of players who are racking up quite a lot of appearances. I’m just hopeful that I can re-sign everyone from last year and bring in one or two fresh faces.”

Williams has already been boosted by the arrival of winger Lee Stobbs, 30.

“I’m delighted to get him in,” he said. “He played a part in Berkhamsted being top of the league last year and a few clubs wanted to sign him. He’s a local lad, he knows a few of the boys and what we are about.

“We know he’s got quality from wide areas and he will add great competition to the squad.”

Someone staying put is Ducks stalwart Jack Wood, who will continue as captain in the coming season. The 28-yearold is closing in on 500 appearances for the club.

“He’s hugely important – he leads by example,” explained Williams, right. “He gives everything in games and in training, and he’s been great for me since I took over.

“I must receive five or six seven-day approaches for him every year from managers eager to sign him. He’s a great character and he’s Aylesbury United through and through.”

But one player who won’t be returning to the Buckinghamshire club for the new season is Ducks legend and centre-back Greg Williams.

Acclaim

“I played with him in the youth team at Aylesbury United and Thame,” said boss Williams. “He’s decided to hang his boots up at 43 and probably 2,000 appearances all told! I want to wish him all the best for the future.” As for himself, Williams is relishing managing his home-town club and eager to help the supporters’ trust-owned club recapture former glories. The Ducks, who currently groundshare at Chesham, played in the Conference in the late 80s and also earned national acclaim for their FA Cup exploits.

“It’s an honour to manage Aylesbury United,” added the UEFA A Licence coach. “I used to watch them when I was younger and I would love to see the club return to the top level of Non-League football.

“If I could help them on that road, it would be fantastic. One of the big things would be to get a ground back in Aylesbury, we’ve been out of town for about 14 years.

“The board are desperate to get the club back to Aylesbury – they are working on it every single day. They are looking for the right opportunity that is affordable and feasible.”