Tadley targetting top five finish

Ben Dillon, one half of Tadley Calleva's management duo, is targetting a top-five finish ahead of the new Combined Counties League Premier Division season.

Dillon, who took over 10 games into last season with his best friend Joe Lawler, guided Tadley from rock bottom to a 10th-placed finish.

Dillon said: "When we took over last season, it wasn't a very happy place. The first thing we had to do was turn that around.

"This season is about keeping that momentum going.

"In terms of players, we've been able to keep almost all of the squad together.

"The core of the squad is there and we're looking to add some players from higher levels."

Tadley's pre-season begins against Andover New Street on July 2 and concludes with a trip to Holyport on July 30. In between, they'll host Laverstock and Ford and Sandhurst Town.

"Pre season is always difficult. We don't have a massive budget and people have different commitments," said Dillon.

"Fitness is a huge part of it, but a lot of it is about togetherness and forming a team.

"Once you've got the basics, the quality will shine through."

Dillon knows he's in a results business – but he's also determined to play an exciting brand of football.

He said: "The biggest thing for us is to get people through the gates and to play a style of football that means, even when we don't win, we don't disappoint the fans."

Joe Lawler was Dillon's assistant at Hartley Wintney but the two share first team management responsibilities at Barlows Park.

Dillon said: "We've been best friends for so long, we've always been in football together, it's all positive.

"We're well connected and we work really well together."

When it comes to next season, Dillon will be hoping two really is better than one.