SUMAS DRAW IN THEIR FIRST FRIENDLY OF THE PRE-SEASON

WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook began their preparations for the 2022-23 season last Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Knaphill on the 3G surface at Emmbrook School.

Training sessions also took place last week, and boss Eliot Whitehouse has confirmed the majority of last season’s squad has put pen to paper for the new campaign.

Two players who will not be returning to Lowther Road are Mark O’Connell and Dan Carter.

O’Connell is set to move to Geneva, Switzerland, for work while Carter has indicated he wants to spend more time with his family, although he has agreed to sign and will be available if needed.

A few of the younger squad members have also indicated they plan to leave for university during the season.

Whitehouse is keen to see the side build on the momentum that saw just one defeat in the final five games of last season, and just one defeat in the final seven home games.

Saturday’s opener saw just one new face – Mason Yorke who has moved to the area having previously played for AFC

Hayes.

Whitehouse is also hoping to announce several signings in the next few weeks.

He said: “Obviously, our target is to win every game.

“We need to assess the competition and see where we are but hopefully, we can finish midtable or higher.”

Training is set to start this week, with Thatcham Town the visitors to Emmbrook School for another friendly on Saturday 2 pm).

Whitehouse added: “We’ve got a pool or about 25 players and I’m quite content and know what I’ve got.

“Now it’s about not overdoing it physically so that by the end of August players are tired.”