WE’VE HAD A SUMMER FROM HELL!
Drury bemoans Daniels’ luck
STAMFORD boss Graham Drury can’t wait for the new season to kick off, admitting this summer “couldn’t have gone much worse” for him!
The Daniels, relegated from the Evo-Stik NPL Premier last term, fell victim to the Cinderford Town will they, won’t they promotion storm.
When Town refused promotion to Step 3, Stamford were given a reprieve only to get that snatched away weeks later following Evesham United’s successful appeal.
It all added up to a difficult summer for Drury, who saw players walk out after their drop back to Step 4 of the NonLeague Pyramid.
Now the focus must shift to next Saturday and the opening day of the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South season, when Stamford host fellow league newcomers Witton Albion.
Effect
“As a gaffer, this summer couldn’t have gone much worse,” Drury told The NLP. “As soon as last season finished, I got to work and was building a squad for NPL Division One South.
“When we got moved back up to the Premier, I had to have another look because some weren’t quite up to that standard.
“I had things all sorted for the Premier and then of course lost a few when we got put back down! I don’t think the FA quite understand what effect it has on clubs.
“It has affected us in lots of ways – the budget has gone up and down, sponsorship has up and down and certain players probably lost trust in me a little with the constant changes.
“It’s been difficult but we’ve got to put it behind us now and get ready for next Saturday. I’m pleased with how the squad is looking and hopefully we’ll be back in the Premier at the end of next season.”
Despite the turbulent summer, Drury is clearly enjoying life back at Stamford and signed a two-year contract extension on Monday. In his third spell at the club, the former Corby Town and Boston United boss expects his side to be competitive and fighting for an instant return to Step 3.
Desire
But their preparations received a further blow this week, seeing striker Greg Smith snapped up by Boston, while veteran keeper Paul Basbeen tock could be out for several months after a shoulder operation.
“Losing Paul to injury and Greg Smith to Boston has been far from ideal, it’s been a week from hell!” Drury added.
“We’ve still got a strong squad and we’re very positive about what we’re trying to do. Pre-season results aren’t everything but we’ve done well against Scunthorpe, Grimsby and were fantastic against Boston – we’ve looked good. I set myself high standards and I believe if we get things right we can do well. I’ve got experience of winning this league before and that will help.
“I’ve said before that I want to hit Conference North football within the next three years so we need two promotions. Everybody knows that’ll be difficult but we’ve got to think positively and the desire is certainly there.”