[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the players reporting to pre-season training this week, Manager Lee Lashenko was pleased to confirm that the following players are signed and available for the 2022/23 Southern League season:
Ben John, Mason Winter, Steve Kingdon, Stuart Tovey, Josh Ford, Sam Boulton, Aron Robbins, Theo Llewelyn, Mike Bryant, George Fowler, Lloyd Mills, Evander Grubb, Jayden Neilsen, Harry Lucas, Jake Gosling, Kye Simpson, Owen Howe, and Ben Bament.
After finishing as runners-up in last season’s campaign, every first-team player from that squad, except Dean Stamp and Shea Bennington-Mannings (Larkhall AFC), has committed to the cause in attempting to push the football club that crucial one step further.
Speaking to the club, Lashenko heaped praise on his squad and highlighted the importance of retaining the group’s togetherness.
“Despite losing out on the final day, if you take a look at our form from Christmas onwards, we were the strongest team in the division last season,” Lashenko began.
“My main priority this summer was to keep as many of that group, and I’m so pleased that we’ve nailed down so many of them for the upcoming season.”
On Thursday evening, it was confirmed that Evander Grubb will return to the club from the Huddersfield Town Academy on loan until October, and will then sign permanently when his contract expires with the Terriers.
“As both manager and supporter of this football club, I’m really excited to see Evander add his quality to our already fantastic squad of players.
“With the quality of forwards that we have here, such as Jake Gosling, Owen Howe, and Ben Bament, their abilities are only going to raise Evander’s standards that extra amount this season,” Lashenko said.
“He’s raring to go, and with the pre-season just around the corner now is the perfect time to gel him into our squad.”
In addition to the first-team players, the Farm will be joined by Junior Soper’s U18 squad who too have a big point to prove after winning the Western Counties Floodlight Youth League last season.
“People seem to think that our U18 side gets overlooked, but that’s certainly not the case,” Lashenko expressed.
“We purposely sent them out on loan to gain first-team experience, and just look at what they achieved last season. They will be given the opportunity to train with us, and we’re delighted to have already offered one player, Harry Lucas, a contract with us for next season,” Lashenko said.
The Farm heads to Penydarren Park on Tuesday night, and we are pleased to confirm that we will be running a supporters coach to Merthyr. Seats are priced at £10 per person, and the bus will depart The Creek at 5pm. To book, please contact club secretary Rachael Casswell on 07767 633549 for further details.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]