Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson can’t wait for the new season to start after his team returned to pre-season training last week.
Town are expected to push for promotion from the Combined Counties Premier Division South this season after finishing the previous campaign in impressive form. Johnson’s side played their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday, when they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Malmesbury Victoria.
“We started pre-season last week with fitness work,” said Johnson. “We had a few people away on holiday, but people are back now and we will be starting the ball work this week.”
Johnson wasted little time in the off season building his squad, with ten players retained and seven players recruited to Farnham by early June.
Lamin Ceesay, Lamar Koroma, Shamal Edwards, Pat Nash, Tom Smith, Matt Surmon, Lewis Flatman, Ange Djadja, Max Meaton and Owen Dean are all staying at The Memorial Ground.
Ryan Kinnane, Mick Kinsella, Darryl Sanders, Guy Hollis, Charlie Postance, Jack Dean and Harry Cooksley have all been recruited – and Johnson is pleased with how the new recruits have settled in.
“Some of the new lads already knew some of the players here, and the group were able to bond on Saturday,” said Johnson.
Town will find out their FA Cup extra preliminary round opponents tomorrow (Friday), when the draw is held. The tie is set to be played on Saturday, August 5.
“The FA Cup will probably be our first game and is definitely one we’re looking forward to,” said Johnson. “We’re still waiting for the league fixtures from the Combined Counties – apparently they have to work through all the ground shares.
“We can’t wait for the season to start – it will come around quickly. Roll on August.”
Farnham will travel to Isthmian League South Central Division outfit Raynes Park Vale – who won the Combined Counties Premier Division South last season – for their next pre-season friendly on Saturday.