With the start date of pre-season still unknown, Torquay United Women’s Manager Jamie McInnes and Assistant Manager Matt Green, have been hard at work putting the foundations in place for the new season.
Having endured a tough campaign last season McInnes and Green have been looking closely at the squad for next season, as they start to hold conversations with the players. “We have had some really positive discussions with a large majority of the players from the current squad. Those who saw us play towards the back end of the season will have noticed a much higher level of performance, coupled with a superb camaraderie between the ladies, so we feel it’s important to keep the core of this side together”, said McInnes.
McInnes will however be looking for additional players to help develop the squad into a team that can push on this season. “Finding new players is always a challenge for every club, but we will be looking to make two or three quality additions. We have a couple of targets in mind, who we will be speaking to.”
The United boss is also keen to look at youth for next season. “We have a number very talented players from our Under 18 squad that will now be eligible for the Women’s senior team. I’ve always worked with young players wherever I have coached and I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to develop and progress, as they move into senior football”.
With a huge effort behind the scenes in recent months, there seems to be a really buzz around the Women’s set up. “This is an exciting project to be a part of, and I think if we can sell that to potential new players and they consequently buy into what we are trying to do, then this will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved”, said Green.
“We really want to be able to hit the ground running when we are finally able to get back out onto the training ground and having all of the above in place will certainly help.”
The management pair are also hoping to confirm where their home games and training sessions will take place for the coming season in the next week, as well as starting to announce their retained players and new signings.
Good luck Jamie and Matt.