Manager Courtney Belford says his Hinckley AFC side are excited and raring to go ahead of their Midland League First Division opener against Heath Hayes at the Welfare Ground, kick off 3pm.
AFC’s six-game pre-season campaign has been a testing one with five games against higher level sides, including two against sides from step three.
But it’s all been in preparation for tomorrow’s visit of Heath Hayes, a day which Belford has been looking forward to since his appointment back in May.
He said: “Pre-season is one thing but I speak for all the staff and players when I say everyone’s raring to go.
“There’s a positive feel around the place and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. The lads have all brought into what we want to do and we just can’t wait to get going.”
He says he’s been pleased with the progress his side have made during pre-season, and has learnt a lot about the way his side have adapted to different personnel and systems.
“We don’t read too much into the results because in five out of the six games we played higher league opposition, so we were always going to be up against it.
“It was always going to be a case of having a look at a lot of different things, trying things out to get ready for Heath Hayes.
“We’ve done that, and I think we did really well – especially on Tuesday against Barwell which was a game we took a lot of positives from.
“I think we’re about there now and everyone’s ready to go.”
Heath Hayes are another side with a new manager, former Lichfield defender Adam Robinson having taken the reigns there over the summer, and they, like Hinckley will be looking to improve on a disappointing season last time out.
AFC won both games between the sides last season, their only win after January coming in the away game at Heath Hayes in April.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under 16s: £2 (FREE with HAFC Junior membership card)
