8:00am Friday 5th April 2013
NEW captain Steve Rose believes relegated Studley go into the new season with a renewed sense of belief.
The Washford Fields outfit suffered the disappointment of dropping out of the Birmingham and District League Division Three last summer.
But as they head into the new campaign in the Warwickshire League Division One, Rose is confident they can bounce back.
They kick-off their league campaign at Walsall YMF on Saturday, April 27 (1pm start).
Studley have retained most of last season’s squad, although they do not have an oversees players because of league rules.
Rose said: “I think we’ll be aiming to bounce back from last season and win promotion.
“We’ve kept the same team as last season and there are a lot of good players such as Brandon Miller and Stuart Harris.
“We’ve also got talented young guys like Mark Swanick who I believe will do well.
“Most importantly, we’re going into the season feeling very upbeat, there is an air of positivity around the club.”
Former Stafford and Minor counties coach Graham Ward worked with the squad over the winter to help them work on areas that needed improvment.
Rose added: “It was great to have someone like Graham come in and provide a fresh perspective.
“He’s helped us work on little areas where we didn’t even realise they needed it.”
Studley step up their preparations for the coming season with friendlies against local rivals.
They play Feckenham away on Saturday, April 13, go to Redditch a week later and Astwood Bank on Sunday, April 21.
Meanwhile, the club launch their new junior section next Wednesday (6pm) at the club.
Currently, they only have three youth sides but they are keen to bolster that number.
Junior or seniors interested in joining the club can attend the launch.
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