NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: Great turnout delights boss as March Town begin pre-season training

March Town boss Brett Whaley senses the buzz is back at the club – after just one pre-season training session.

Close to 50 players were put through their paces in the opening summer session at Neale Wade Academy on Tuesday night.

The club’s first team, reserve side and Under 18 outfit all worked together under their respective management teams.

Whaley said: “I was really impressed with quality and quantity of players from throughout the club who were present.

“Such a good turnout is really encouraging and gives each of the management teams plenty to work with going forward.

“We’re training three times a week and there is a lot of hard work ahead for the first-team, reserve and Under 18 lads.

“It’s really important to get things right things right this summer to make sure all three sides go into next season in the best possible shape.”

Four new first-team signings were present at the start of pre-season training.

The previously confirmed goalkeeper Simon Dalton has been joined by defenders Gav Cooke and Callum Madigan, and midfielder Adam Rothery.

Cooke and Rothery are both well-known to Whaley from previous clubs and were at another Step 6 side, Bourne Town, last season.

Madigan, who can also play in midfield, was part of the Peterborough-based Netherton side which completed a quadruple of honours at Step 7 last term, but he has played much higher in the past.

Whaley said: “I’m delighted with the additions I’ve made and I’m hopeful there will be a couple more new faces in the coming weeks.

“We’re still looking to add another defensive option to the squad and a striker. We have potential targets in mind and we’re aiming to get them tied up before our first friendly against Wisbech Town on July 7.”