Frome Town boss Danny Greaves says “the hard work starts now” as the Robins return for pre-season following last season’s title-winning campaign.
Danny has been reflecting on a “busy and productive summer” after guiding Frome back to the Southern League Premier South at the first attempt. And he has made clear the focus has already shifted to the next challenge.
“While winning the league was a major milestone, we have always viewed it as just one stage of a wider objective,” he said. “Following our relegation from the Southern League Premier Division 12 months earlier, our goal was clear: earn promotion, return to Step 3 and then establish ourselves there. We have completed the first part of that journey, but the hardest work starts now as we prepare to secure our status at this level.
“We are confident that we have the structures, processes and footballing identity in place to compete at Step 3. More importantly, we believe we have a squad capable of competing against the very best teams in the division.”
Danny has already strengthened the squad with the addition of former Yeovil, Totton and Taunton midfielder Josh Owers, young defender Ciaran Walsh from Forest Green Rovers and Zack Ali from Championship club Bristol City, where he captained the under-21 side.
“Together, we believe we have a strong squad, a strong staff, a strong platform from which to attack the season ahead,” said Danny. “We are very clear about how we want to play, how we want to look both in and out of possession and the standards we expect to maintain. The next six weeks will be dedicated to refining those details and ensuring we are fully prepared for the opening day of the season.”
Frome begin their pre-season fixtures away at Radstock Town on Monday 6th July before trips to Buckland Athletic on Saturday 11th and Swindon Supermarine on Tuesday 14th. They then host Worthing and Salisbury on Saturday 18th and 25th July before rounding off preparations against Weymouth at Badgers Hill on Saturday 1st August.
“We welcome National League South champions Worthing, a club many supporters will remember from our memorable FA Trophy victory a few years ago,” said Danny. “They are an outstanding side and will provide a fantastic test.
“A week later we host Salisbury, another strong National League South outfit, before concluding preparations against Weymouth on 1st August. Weymouth have retained and recruited strongly and will undoubtedly be among the favourites in their division. As a final pre-season fixture, it offers exactly the kind of realistic and competitive challenge we are looking for before the league campaign begins.”
Off the pitch, the manager also highlighted improvements at the club, including an “outstanding” playing surface and the recent extension of the club’s lease.
“We are not returning to Step 3 simply to make up the numbers,” added Danny. “We are returning to compete, to continue improving and to test ourselves against some of the best teams in the division.
“We hope everyone has enjoyed their summer. We look forward to seeing many of you at Radstock for our opening pre-season fixture and, shortly afterwards, back at Badgers Hill.
“The hard work starts now, and we can’t wait to get going.”
To see Danny’s full interview, visit the club’s Facebook page.
