EVERY member of Pershore Town’s squad will get the chance to impress in the opening match of their pre-season programme on Saturday.
Former Redditch United, Hednesford, Banbury and Feckenham midfielder Umit Eminoglu, a former Turkey youth international, has become the latest addition to Les Jones’ squad.
The 24-year-old played for Stourport Swifts last season and they provide Pershore’s first friendly opposition when Swifts, managed by former Town boss Quentin Townsend, head to the Community Stadium. Worcester City then visit a week on Saturday.
“We’ve got 22 players available for Saturday against Stourport and I will endeavour to give every players 45 minutes,” said Jones. “It’s about building fitness at this stage.”
Training began last week and Jones says he has been pleased by the signs so far.
The players will be put through the paces by coach Stuart Watkins, a former Malvern Town youth manager, who has joined the backroom team alongside Jones, Derek Doyle and Carl Pitt.
“Stuart is a level two coach, who was youth team manager when I was at Malvern,” said Jones. “He is an enthusiastic coach who is also going to be a help in recruiting younger players, like Dan Nokes who has joined us from Malvern.”
Jones wants to build a team with younger players coming through and Eminoglu is an example.
“Umit fits the mould of what we want – he is a talented, young, hungry player,” said Jones. “He has looked very good in training, he looks fit and sharp.
“I’m confident the lads we’ve signed can play one or two levels higher. It’s all about being consistent during the season and as they get older and more experienced that will come.”
