AFTER last season’s disappointing relegation, Frome Town’s manager, Danny Greaves, has promised to start the new season afresh, with a new-look ‘stronger’ side – and he is calling on fans to get behind them.
In preparation for Town’s new season in the Southern League Division One, the manager has made several new signings, including the return of a number of former players, including fan favourites Jon Davies and Matt Smith.
And the changes seem to be paying off, with Town ending the pre-season unbeaten, with two wins and four draws. But Danny Greaves has told Frome Times that this weekend the work begins to rebuild the club after a troubling few years – and he needs the help of supporters.
“We are pleased how the pre-season has gone,” said Danny. “Overall the performance has been really good, especially the new additions – they have settled in well, and their performances have improved game on game.
“Everyone is looking forward to the new season with optimism. We start the season with an even playing field. We have done lots of work – recruitment, strengthening the side. We’ve also brought back a few fan favourites. Last year we lost players with a real affinity for the club, players with passion for Frome Town. Hopefully these new signings will change all that.
“Ones to watch? We have Jon Davies, a fan fave who should be playing at a higher level, so we are lucky to have him; and Matt Smith, who has been playing for Chippenham Town in the Conference South for about four or five years. We’ve brought him back, and again we are lucky to have him as he should be playing at a higher level.
“We have made six or seven good additions to the team and kept some good players – I think we are in a stronger position than last year. It’s all set-up for a really positive season.
“After last season’s relegation from the Southern League Premier Division, this new start is our chance to draw a line under a difficult few years for the club. By dropping down, this puts us in a place for some good local derbys, which should bring fans back through the gate – it should be an exciting season!
“We have Melksham Town on Boxing Day and over Easter – there’s lots of local rivalry between the two teams with many of the players having played for both. We are also up against my old team Mangotsfield United, and there’s also Paulton Rovers. So lots of tasty fixtures.”
Calling on supporters for their support, Danny said, “Fans at the back end of last season will have noticed the hard work my assistant James and I were putting in – the team were fighting, scrapping for the club – wearing the shirt with pride – which is the minimum you want from a player. Fans will see more of that next season and throughout.
“And with our strong attacking players, there will hopefully be plenty of goals and wins on the board for fans to enjoy. We really need the fans to get behind us this season – we’ll do our bit, and they can do theirs – their support always makes a massive difference.”
Frome Town’s first match of the season is this Saturday, 17th August, away to Highworth Town at the Elms Recreation Ground, Highworth, Swindon. Kick off is at 3pm.
Town’s first home match is on Wednesday 21st August against Bideford. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
