Rugby
Town kick off the new Evo-Stik League
Southern Division One Central season
with a trip to Ashford
Town (Mx).
 |
|
|
| Date |
Saturday
18th August 2012 |
| Kick-off |
3pm |
| Venue |
Robert Parker Stadium, Stanwell |
| Comp |
The
Evo-Stik League
Southern Division
One Central |
|
|
|
By
RUGBYTOWNFC.COM
Valley manager Dave Stringer takes his side in his second full season in charge after just missing out on promotion last season.
Rugby have been boosted this pre-season with a number of new signings including Craig Kelly, Fazel Koriya, Rob Foster, Josh Ruff and Alex Gudger while the close season has also seen goalkeeper David Bevan and striker Seb Lake-Gaskin on one-year contracts.
There have only been minimal movements outwards including Luke Keen, Niki Preston and Gary Moran.
The pre-season has also seen some movement in the backroom staff with Craig Herbert and Danny Hall joining the coaching team replacing the outgoing Tony Clarke and Martin Sockett.
Last season, Rugby won their opening game 1-0 against newly-promoted Chertsey Town but Ashford have proved to be tricky opponents in the last two seasons.
The Ash Trees have secured three wins out of the last four games since 2010 against Rugby with Valley's only victory coming away with a thrilling 4-3 win.
Ahead of Saturday's match, Stringer will be without Michael Williams and Richie Allen (holiday) while there are fitness concerns over Ross Miller, Robbie Banks and Josh Ruff.
In light of the missing faces for this weekend, Stringer has moved to sign reinforcments including Jack Dobson and Ellis Myles although Dobson is unavailable for the first game of the season.
Dobson, a midfielder has recently been released by Walsall while former Leicester trainee Myles was with Brackley last season, playing right-back.
Valley
Squad from: David Bevan;
Alex Austin, Ellis Myles, Ed Booth, Alex Gudger, Craig Kelly, Ross Miller; Robbie Banks, Richard Blythe, Fazel Koriya; Tyrone Fagan, Rob Foster, Seb Hamilton, Seb Lake-Gaskin.
|
