JARRETT’S SEASIDERS GET SET FOR BIG STEP 4 TEST
HEADING into the unknown holds no fear for Marske United boss Carl Jarrett. Last season’s Northern League Division One title win means that the Seasiders are now preparing for their first ever season at Step 4.
Jarrett is preparing to lead his side into the new-look EvoStik League East and the former Billingham Town manager is excited by what lies ahead.
“We are facing new challenges and new adventures because this club has never been above Northern League level,” said the Seasiders boss. “It is something that excites us and we aren’t afraid of what lies ahead.
“We will be visiting new clubs, playing at new grounds and personally, I will be taking on new managers.
“It is a bit like preparing for an FA Vase tie every week and we are doing our best to learn about the clubs we will face.
“It sounds daft but because of the nature of the Northern League, you know everything about every player.
“This is different and the players and myself are getting bit of a buzz about heading into the unknown.”
Preparations for the new season have gone well for Jarrett. Former Marske striker Jamie Owens has returned to the club from FA Vase finalists Stockton Town and former Whitby Town duo Andrew May and Callum Martin have also agreed moves to the GER Stadium.
The majority of last season’s title-winning side have agreed to stay with the club.
But Jarrett hinted that his transfer business isn’t quite over just yet.
The Marske boss is taking a look at several trialists in a pre-season fixture list that includes the likes of Scarborough Athletic, Whitby Town and Shildon.
However, the Seasiders boss doesn’t believe he is too far away from his ideal squad.
“We have a few trialists and we will take some time to look at them and see what they can offer us,” said Jarrett, whose side reached the FA Vase semifinal last season.
“We don’t need much more in our squad and at the moment we have 18 players signed on.
“We have Andy Ramsbottom coming back from a long-term injury and that is a big boost because he gives us plenty of options with his versatility.
“We will have a look at players if they become available but we won’t just be signing players for the sake of it.
“They would have to be the right players because we want to go into the Evo-Stik and be competitive at the top end of the league.”