Worksop boss keeps cards close to his chest

Worksop Town boss Mark Shaw is keeping his cards close to his chest as he looks to build a squad fit to challenge for honours in the NCEL Premier.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jun 2016, 13:54 BST
Updated 20th Jun 2016, 14:58 BST
Worksop Town manager, Mark Shaw.Worksop Town manager, Mark Shaw.
Worksop Town manager, Mark Shaw.

A healthy number of Tigers players returned to pre-season training on Saturday a week earlier than previous years as Shaw looks to modify his methods.

Forward and last season’s captain Conor Higginson wasn’t one of them following his switch to rivals Handsworth Parramore on Friday and Shaw expects further player movement, both in and out of the club.

Shaw said: “I’m keeping things close to my chest. I’m in no rush to make any announcements. I’m trying to do things differently.

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“It’s getting them nailed on. I do not want someone coming in and taking one of our prized possessions from under our noses.

“One player has left and there will be more. More players will leave before the season starts but that’s the nature of the beast.

“We have got a good name in football and my reputation as a manager is to play good football. I treat players the right way. I always try and be up front with players.

“We have 400-plus fans, a nice kit, good chairman, playing surface and these are important things for players.”

Worksop start their busy pre-season schedule with a trip to Nottinghamshire neighbours Ollerton Town on July 6 before a further ten friendlies, including home matches against Sheffield Wednesday on July 15, Mansfield Town on July 30 and finishing with Sheffield United on August 5.

Shaw added: “We had 20 players turn up for the new season training on Saturday. There are a few gems I’m trying to get into the club. The players that were there have come back really fit and hungry and I’m very optimistic.

“We’ve got a challenging pre-season schedule. We’ve started a week earlier as I don’t want to overload the players or do too much in a short space of time. I’m trying to do things a little differently and I’m hoping we’ll be on to a winner.

“It’s been mainly cardio work then we’ll integrate ball work ahead of the first friendly.

“The Euros are on and everyone wants to replicate what they’ve seen on the telly - it’s great motivation for the players and they’ve started well.”

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