Fairford Town FC looking for a bright start to a new season (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford Town FC looking for a bright start to a new season

FOLLOWING a disappointing finish to last season, in which Fairford Town unusually failed to win a trophy of any description as well as finishing only tenth in the Hellenic Premier table, manager Mark Webb has moved to strengthen his side for the start of the team's 2004/5 campaign.

As well as retaining the nucleus of his squad from last season, including Phil Corcoran, Lee Matthews, and Courtney Chessell, Webb has also strengthened his side by signing on a number of newcomers in readiness for this Saturday's home game against Wantage Town (3pm ko).

They include Andy Grainge and Stuart Hodson, both from Swindon Supermarine, Gareth Davies and Mick Solan from Stratton, former Devizes Town player Nathan Perkins, Phil Ward from Yate and former Fairford player Kevin Coles who played a couple of games for the Cinder Lane team last season.

Also returning to fold, after a hip injury threaten to finish his career in football, is Lee Kilfoyle who has regained full fitness.

Webb said, "I think it's going to be another competitive season and we've got three tough fixtures to play right from the off.

This Saturday (3pm), Town start their campaign by entertaining Wantage Town who were promoted last season.

Next Tuesday, Fairford travel to Didcot Town and, the following Saturday (28th), they are home to Witney United.

"We did enjoy some success last season as we beat all the top six sides at least once and championship-chasing Slim-bridge on two occasions," Webb said.

Currently boasting a huge squad, Webb is only too well aware that he may struggle to keep them all.

Nonetheless, he appreciates that if the team works really hard from the start, Fairford have every reason to hope that this season will be a much better one than last.