PAUL HARRIS says he cannot wait to make his managerial bow as Pershore Town start their pre-season in earnest with two matches in less than 24 hours.
Harris, who was part of the Plums’ coaching team last season before taking over from Quentin Townsend in May, will take charge for the first time when Town entertain Welland tonight (Friday) before they head to Kings Norton-based Cadbury Athletic on Saturday.
With the addition of five new recruits this week, including striker Phil Marsh, Pershore will utilise a squad of 26 players in the friendlies and Harris says that after three works of hard graft the players are keen to impress in a match scenario.
“I can’t wait to get started and I know the players feel the same,” said Harris. “I want to see how the lads come together as a team.
“We’ve done a lot of fitness work, we’ve done a lot of ball work and we’ve been looking sharp. Everybody wants to get out on to the pitch and get game-time under their belts.”
Harris’ latest influx of signings includes striker Marsh, Pershore-based goalkeeper Andrew Taylor, one-time Worcester City youth midfielder Daniel Clift, plus former Worcestershire County players Declan Juliff and Callum Hughes. Juliff is nippy, tricky forward and Hughes is a powerful centre-half.
“We’ve got a squad of 26 players so we’ve got the strength in depth,” said Harris. “We will mix and match for the first couple of friendlies and the game against Feckenham next Tuesday and then look to get things a bit more settled before the league season starts.”
While Pershore will have to wait a few more weeks for their opening fixtures after being moved across to the West Midlands League Premier Division, they know they will have home advantage when they start their FA Vase campaign.
The Plums will meet Staffordshire side Hanley Town in the first qualifying round on September 1.
The winners will be away to Dudley Sports or Shawbury United on September 15.
“All you can ask for in a cup competition is a home draw and we’ve got that,” said Harris. “Hopefully we can get plenty of support, get a few more local people and a few more families to the club to cheer us on.”
