QUENTIN Townsend is prepared to wait until the new season has started to get the right strikers to spearhead Pershore Town’s attack.
Finding a goalscorer is a priority for the Town boss after the summer departure of last season’s 18-goal top marksman Jamie Clarke.
Townsend has got players in the pipeline but admits Pershore will need to be patient. They cannot compete financially with many of their rivals but the manager believes the chance to play regular football will be his biggest pull, especially when strikers at other clubs realise they will be down the pecking order.
“We’ve got players in mind but if we have to be patient we will be,” said Townsend.
“After the first game of the season, there will be strikers who will have thought they would have started and haven’t and they will ready to move. I understand players want to play at the highest level but, for me, it’s all about game time. You don’t want to be on bench or in the stand, you want to play and that’s something we can guarantee.”
Pershore began their pre-season training on Monday and visit Highgate United on Tuesday (7pm) in the first of five warm-up games.
The Midland League Division One side had 22 players for the first fitness session at Nunnery Wood Sports Centre in Worcester, with another eight or so away or unavailable. The first week will all be about getting the right base fitness and Townsend admits it will tough.
“All players hate pre-season. I still dread it and I’m not playing anymore!” said former Wolves pro Townsend.
“You know in the first sessions you will be running until you’re sick, but you will see all the benefit of the hard work now when we get into the middle of the season.
“It’s going to be tough but that will also test the players to see if they have got the commitment and they are up for the fight.”
Townsend will have a new management team alongside him, having confirmed skipper Shaun Griffiths will be player-assistant and Paul Harris will be first team coach and goalkeeper coach.
After the trip to Midland Premier side Highgate’s Coppice ground in Shirley, Pershore head to Alcester Town on Saturday, July 8.
Then they expect a bumper crowd on Saturday, July 15 for the visit of Worcester City and then entertain Kidderminster Harriers on Friday, July 21.
Next is a trip to Wolves Casuals on Tuesday, July 25 before they host Evesham United on Friday, July 28. The final friendly will be at home to Malvern Town on Tuesday, August 1 before the Midland League season starts on August 5.