With the likes of the last two season's top scorer Declan Howe moving into the full time game, Dylan Cogill making the step up to National League North with play-off winners' Worksop Town & others, including Bailey Conway (Cleethorpes) Dylan Wharton (Ilkeston) & Joe Stacey (Emley), Russ Wilcox has been busy over the summer, and goes into this fixture with sixteen players already signed up for the new campaign. An excellent core of the group that enjoyed fantastic successes in the cups competitions & narrowly missed out on a play-off place at the end of a gruelling 55 game (competitive) season -

Wilcox has added three vastly experienced players: Hot shot, Jonny Margetts, following his Kings Lynn departure, and fellow forward Frank Mulhern (ex Scarbrough), are joined by versatile defender Adam Crookes, who has also put pen to paper after leaving York City at the start of the summer. Making it a quintet of fresh faces is the addition of centre back, Harrison Beeden, who comes to Gainsborough with good NPL experience, making 40+ appearances in each of the last two seasons for Whitby Town and latterly, Lancaster City.

Adding this calibre of player, whilst retaining: David Robson, Ashley Jackson, Aaron Simpson, George Hornshaw Will Lancaster, Sisa Tuntulwana, Jordan Helliwell, Lewis Butroid, Bobby Johnson, Javelle Clarke, Fraser Preston & Curtis Durose; early in the Summer, there is certainly the feeling of continuity and familiarity about the group. A continuity that will only serve to develop positive relationships amongst the group - and between the squad and supporters of the Holy Blues.

Speaking ahead of the opening game of pre-season, the Trinity manager spoke about his side's preparations so far, outlining his expectations of pre-season and a desire to know the make up of his side's 'proper' fixture schedule: "We are only five sessions in and the players and staff are all working hard. We managed an 11v11 game at Roses on Saturday, in preparation for our first friendly at Club Thorne."

"The pre-season is all about being ready for August the 9th. I’m looking forward to getting the fixtures so we can then plan and prepare, but before then, hopefully we will see a good following on Tuesday night."

In Opposition

Club Thorne Collieries finished the season in 11th after returning to the NCEL Division One (Step 6) for the first time in almost 40 years. Off the pitch, they had a few problems during the season, their changing facilities being the target of a mindless arson attack, but despite that, they were able to enjoy a respectable return to their highest level in four decades. New manager, James Baxendale, has recently been appointed.

Baxendale, who is Thorne born and bred, is an ex professional footballer who made over 100 appearances in the football league. He has overseen the arrival of a number of new signings over the summer. Most notably Marc Newsham, who previously played for Trinity, helping Gainsborough to the first round of the FA Cup. Since leaving the Northolme, he has been a regular goal-scorer at Sheffield FC, at Step 4. Adding to the century of goals he scored for Boston United prior to joining Trinity.

Last Meeting

Lewis Butroid and Declan Howe were on the scoresheet for Gainsborough in a 2-1 win, almost a year to the day, ago. The Holy Blues (in pink that day) creating a number of opportunities, but only scoring twice in the first half, before Thorne got one back and then looked to make life uncomfortable for Wilcox's men as Trinity rang the changes.

The Venue

Thorne play their home games at the Chesterfield Poultry Stadium, Moorends, Doncaster, DN8 4NA. And prices for this one have been set at £7 adults, £4 concessions and £2 for Under 16s. A spacious old school stands astride the halfway line, providing an excellent elevated view, or you csn watch from anywhere around the perimeter of the pitch, if you want to be closer to the action. A warm welcome awaits the Trinity faithful making the journey, as we look to kick off the campaign style – and build momentum ahead of an exciting season. See you there!

Next Up

The Holy Blues will next be in action on Saturday. Bottesford Town, managed by former Trinity coach Leigh Herrick. The game scheduled to kick off at 3pm at the Barrett Steel Stadium, on their. 3G surface, represents the second game of Trinity’s seven game pre-season programme. The games coming thick and fast ahead of the Pitching In Northern Premier League, season opener on August 9th.

Words and images: Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)