It is always one of those training sessions that people fear; the first pre-season session. Well we didn't go too mad. You have to be careful of injuries if you just jump straight into it. We went round Shipley Park lake a few times and did some base strength work. It was a decent turn out for training and those that attended showed that they have done a little bit in the close season to help themselves keep 'ticking' over.

All the players from last year, combined with a big influx of youngsters had been notified of the start of pre-season training by telephone and/or letter and some players have told me of their unavailability due to holidays or injuries. I am sure over the next week the club will have a good idea of who is staying and who has gone. I am not the type of man who will wait to see who wants to play for Heanor Town FC. We have set our stall out for pre-season and the decision rests with players whether they attend training or move on. I am hopeful that one or two realise that the club and fans are great at Heanor and make their decision quickly, because I will certainly be looking around for players to fill any gaps that start appearing in the squad early on.

The website has been given a face lift as well. Looks good and don't forget we have another club website running for the reserve team.

I hope to see some of you at Shipley Park on Saturday. Players are expected to be at the ground for 1030am on Saturday and afterwards we will be having a meeting in the club to agree 'Rules and Fines' for next season.

I am used to pre-season training 'Unibond' style. Not enough players turned out today which hugely disappointed me and is a problem that I am going to have to deal with. One thing we, as players, did during my 9 years at Eastwood Town was turn out for pre-season training, regardless. This is where the hard work you put in brings you dividends later in the season. We can only have players who want to do it. Attitudes must be right and I want fitness levels and discipline to be the basis of our success.
Player wise I am hoping to sign the majority of players we had at Kimberley Under 18's, they are good young players who will be a force in a few years. A few might even break into the first team this year and I can assure the fans that they do want to play for Heanor, they have hunger and commitment; and I am hoping some of last years first team players can show me the same.
I am also hoping to bring a few new experienced players into the team but more on that later.
See you all next Wednesday for training; 7:00pm at the ground.

Well we had a decent turn out tonight despite the weather. However, the ground became that wet that it defeated the object in the end. I can see a real determination in the eyes of some lads which is great. I am getting a few new faces in but I don't want to put their names on here just yet as they haven't signed forms yet. I have brought in Nathan George from Blackwell who is an experienced player and who knows the CML 'scene' better than most. I must also thank Rudi Funk for his help.
I keep getting asked about a few of last seasons players, well some haven't been in contact and you only need to look at a few other clubs' websites to see the photographs of pre-season training to know which players they are. Good luck to them and at least we can now start planning without them.
We need to concentrate on the players that are committed and over the next two weeks I will be working on getting them into a good unit for the start of the season. Training at Shipley Park on Saturday at 1030.
Keep up your support.

Danny, may I ask, as I'm sure others are wondering, what does Rudi need thanking for?

i havent signed yet

I can see the improvement in fitness in some players already which is what pre-season training is all about. We will keep doing our training in a way which will ensure the players will be in top form when the season starts. Our game plan for next season will only work with this kind of fitness. I have signed some players on and still have a few more that I am after, in particular, a good goalkeeper who I think would be a real hit at Heanor and who can play at a higher standard. If he doesn't sign then I might have to get the gloves out the garage!
It's slowly starting to come together and I am beginning to get excited about the challenge ahead. I will be ringing around for a few more players as we get the squad into a decent shape.
Thanks for everyone's support in the meantime.

i'll answer the question, why i should when u can't be bothered to put your really name. it is pretty obvious that u have got nowt to do with heanor town or you wouldnt have just registared today.

no i havent signed YET, but i will be doing. As for rudi, danny is new to management and the cmfl. As a friend of rudi he has been asking questions about players and what to expect in this league.

it will be hard going to start with, with danny being chucked in at the deep end at the end of june. But he his trying to get a squad that can compete at this level and not struggle.

it doesnt help when players say they are coming and come up with different stories when it comes to training. u r either coming to play for heanor or not simple as.

so FASTEDDIE whats your real name??

Next season will be a challenge or us all. As a club we need to be united in what we want to achieve. I will be making sure the first team is ran on a professional basis and that means good discipline, proper equipment and committed players. This will take time. So that we can look professional I urge the fans to sponsor a player. This will go towards training kit and tracksuits and will cost £35. Let me know if you want to do this and your name/business will appear beside the players name on the website and int he mtachday programme.
Today saw me take charge of my first game. It ended 2-2 and I was disappointed not to win, but the game served it's purpose. The Heanor Town XI, was basically two teams, with me changing personnel over in the second half, playing the majority of the younger players.
It was nice to see Flynny score a rare goal, and Ash Wakelin scored the other. He seems to have that sought after knack of scoring. We actually went behind and showed good character by coming back and netting twice. It will take a few games before we get into my way of playing football but it is coming on.
Nathan George has confirmed he will be my assistant next year, that was an important signing. He has lots of experience at this level which will be a help to me and the other players around him.
Bryan Franks has also agreed to come on board in a 'general manager' role. Again he has alot of good contacts which will help us get the right type of player here.
A notable signing today was that of Martin Smith. He has shown that he has the leadership capabilities needed in a young side. He will be a real asset to the club and will be someone the younger players can learn from.
Not a bad day and hopefully we will get some support from the faithful on Thursday night at Underwood Villa. I might also have an international in the line-up!! See you there and "come on the Lions!!"

was hoping to come and support you but was unable to - you say you have alot of young lads now wanting to play for you - any to look out for next sesson ?

Yep - plenty of young talent for 07/08. mixed with the more experienced players we'll have a great season. No names to be mentioned from the younger guys but I can think of at least 4 who SHOULD be starting first team every week! We have a youngster going for trials with Leeds, Burton and Mansfield this summer, I wish him all the best if he gets in to a pro club, if he doesnt succeed we've got him for another year. I'm excited about the new season and hopefully can make it on thursday, whos missed me? lol

A good running session tonight at Shipley Park! The type of football we will be playing next year will mean that every player at the club will need to be fully fit and ready for action. We will keep the base fitness up for the next couple of weeks.
I have today managed to sign Richard Groves from Blackwell. I am very excited about this. Richard is the type of player I want, fit and quick and I am sure you will all wish him the best.
We are trying hard to get another friendly in before next week's Tournament and please keep having a look on the forum to see if we have been succesful in that regard.
The young players we have brought to the club are good lads and with the right development will hopefully provide Heanor Town FC with a future first team. We need to be patient and I have total faith in them all. They will need to understand that they need to fight for their place, in whichever team, but I can see that they are already doing that by coming training, improving and working hard. They are a good example of hungry players. On the 'young issue' I would like to express my relief that Sam Kirk has not suffered any injuries following a nasty RTA on the way to training this evening. See you Thursday Sam.
As a side issue, I see this 'diary' as a chance for me to give the fans a little insight into what we are trying to do. Consider it a sort of extension to a matchday programme. What I won't do is answer comments through 'threads'. If anyone has a question please email it to me and don't forget to include your name! I will respond to you if I can. I am also looking to have a 'press day' shortly when the players will get their photographs taken and the fans can come down to TTG and have a chat, mingle, pint! etc. More on that later.
Keep up the good support for your club and players.

A very good workout tonight against a decent footballing team. We wanted to play a Boots team as they are known for playing decent football and I wanted to see how we would react to that. I thought the first half was played at a good pace and we certainly started off as we are looking to do. Richard Groves scored a brace, one coming from the penalty spot - the referee was later to deny him another penalty later in the game. On relfection we had quite a few chances and I bet the strikers are looking forward to that level of service over the coming season. Saying that during the second half our legs did tire and we needed a bit of experience on the park to keep hold of the ball. I have stressed to the players that I want them to be as fit as they can be so that we can play a high tiempo game. This will come in time and through the use of these types of friendlies. Well done to the lads and thanks for some of the fans coming down to support the team.

Looks to me as This Club may be turning the corner. Danny seems to be
doing a good job so far. Amber vally any chance of doing the same?.Also any chance someone from the club updating us on the Ground Improvements?.

Training went well today and the players are looking forward to Tuesday's first game in the South Normanton Tournament which will see us play Pinxton. They will be a tough side and we must make sure we are organised and ready.
It has been difficult getting players into the club and it seems at the moment that I seem to turn a corner only to be faced with another problem. Things will get better I am sure and we all need a determination to keep going. Heanor is a good club and we are trying to move it in the right direction and I am hopeful that a few 'regulars' will put pen to paper this week. I am going to be speaking with more players this week in an attempt to either secure players or move onto other targets.
Please come down and cheer the lads on next Tuesday and be our 12th man.
Squad for Pinxton: Parlett, Bryant, Stevenson, George, Barrie, Travis, Green, Biggs, Wakelin, Smith, O'Donnell, Love, Flynn, Vincent, Vickerton, Eley, Groves, Davis.

Firstly, thanks to both Alex and Heanor Red for helping me out on Tuesday night with physio duties. Maybe more of the same on Saturday??
The game last night was difficult as the Pinxton side are a hardworking, tough unit. Yes we are still learning but I couldn't fault the lads passion, commitment and desire. We had 9 lads in the squad (who all featured) that were 21 years old or under. Hopefully this shows what we are trying to achieve and I can only say that if there are any young players who are good enough they will get the chance. I realise we need a few experienced lads to show them the ropes as they adjust to life in the CMFL. What I can ensure you is that all our lads will run for 90 minutes and it will be a tough test for anyone when they play us. I was particularly happy with the fact that none of our lads suffered from cramps in the last ten minutes and we could have had four goals at the death. This shows the reason why we work hard in pre-season. Likewise, Pinxton could have had a few but Joe Parlatt made a few breathtaking saves (he reminded me of someone!) and the team are indebted to him (I will always be in the goalkeepers union!).
I, like Nathan, would also like to extend my thanks to the fans. Some of the lads said afterwards that they really appreciated the noise the fans were making and the encouraging remarks they were receiving, can I ask you to keep this up. Well done and has anyone got a big drum - just an idea???!!!!
Finally, anyone who has not yet had chance to, I would suggest you contact me as soon as possible if you want to sponsor a player. Players are running out fast....
C'ome on the Lions!