Robinson raring to go ahead of pre-seaosn opener with new-look Crusaders
Hungerford Town boss Danny Robinson is raring to go ahead of the new season.
The Crusaders were relegated from the National League South following a disappointing campaign but Robinson’s recruitment has breathed new life into the club.
Hungerford look to have added experience – both in terms of years in the game and at Southern Premier League level – as well as quality at both ends of the pitch, while also retaining a core of important players that stood out last term.
In a long and challenging campaign, the Crusaders were plagued by problems up top and in goal, with no one managing to even come close to replacing the goals of the talismanic Ryan Seager, while injuries and issues with loans meant Robinson was forced into using 11 different goalkeepers.
As a result, Robinson moved swiftly to sign legendary Oxford United goalkeeper Ryan Clarke and strikers David Bremang, who scored five in five before injury curtailed a prolific spell at Bulpit Lane last season, and Conor McDonagh, a proven goalscorer at this level with Swindon Supermarine.
On top of a host of other new recruits with experience in and around Southern League level, the Crusaders look well-placed to have a successful season.
Robinson: “I’m really pleased with where we’re at.
“I’ve been thinking about this squad since we got on the coach home on the final day of the season at Ebbsfleet.
“It’s been a lot – a lot – of hard work and the club have been great in terms of letting me get on with it.
“As it stands, I think the recruitment side of things have gone very well.”
The Crusaders spirit was never in question in their relegation campaign, but the club at times did look to be lacking a bit of leadership.
Robinson’s worked hard to rectify that with the addition of a number of experienced players who have worn the armband at previous clubs.
“We’ve definitely been looking to add in that department,” he said.
“Ryan (Clarke) was captain at Bath City, Luke Carnell was captain of Banbury and Didcot, Mike Baker captained Larkhall, Brad Hooper captained Swindon Supermarine, Joe Shepherd at Cirencester and Shaun Moore was Binfield’s captain in the FA Vase final.
“I wanted more leaders and more characters and I think that’s what we’ve got.”
Hungerford will kick-off their pre-season campaign with a trip to Combined Counties outfit Badshot this afternoon and have a further six warm-up matches scheduled, including a trip to former chairman Patrick Chambers’ new charges Gloucester City and a game against Robinson’s former club Thatcham Town.
Chambers announced his intention to swap Bulpit Lane for the National League North outfit midway through last season, with former vice-chairman Alan O’Donohue returning to take over the reins at the Crusaders.
Robinson, who had a close relationship with the outgoing Chambers, feels he’s established a good rapport with the new man at the helm, who has allowed him to assemble most of his squad in time for their pre-season opener.
He said: “I like to have the bulk of my squad in place ahead of the first pre-season game.
“The first chat I had with Alan, he told me he’d give me the freedom to get on with it.
“He’s been working tirelessly with the committee members to sort things like sponsorship.
“The club wasn’t left in the best financial position which has been tough, it’s been hard.
“Alan’s stepped up to the plate and I’ve had the resources to build a squad to be as competitive as possible.
“We’re looking forward to going to Gloucester to see Patrick and Nicky (Chambers, Patrick’s wife and former commercial manager) and of course we wish them all the best.”
Hungerford’s budget is believed to be competitive but no bigger than the sides around them.
Despite that, Robinson is hopeful his side can bounce straight back to the National League South.
“Me being me, I’ll be aiming for the highest finish possible,” he said.
“After a year of gloom, I’m really hoping we can give our fans something to smile about.”
