VICE-CHAIRMAN Paul Oakes hopes Fairfield Villa can get back to ‘where they belong’ in Midland League Division Two this season – the top four.
After finishing seventh last year and being blighted by injuries at the start of the previous campaign, the Recreation Ground side are hoping for better things this time around under the leadership of Wayne Davies.
One of the big pluses of the summer has been retaining star striker Connor Collins who will be looking to carry on from where he left off last season when Fairfield entertain Knowle on Saturday in the season opener.
“We need to get back to where we belong,” said Oakes.
“We want to be in the top four because that’s where we feel this club should be.
“Wayne had a tough start last season with injuries and along with the fact we did not get Connor back until ten games into the season so things will hopefully be better this time around.
“We have prepared well and barring getting rolled over by Team Dudley, we have held our own in pre-season against the likes of Chelmlsey Town, Bromyard Town and Paget Rangers.
“Knowle on the first day is a tough start because traditionally they are always one of the more competitive sides in the division so we expect a difficult game.”
Fairfield are then on the road to Barnt Green Spartak on Tuesday night.
Spartak now play at Earlswood Town after ending their groundshare with Highgate United.
Meanwhile, Fairfield are have signed goalkeeper Josh Goddard from league rivals Feckenham and experienced midfielder Daniel Ludlow from Midland League Division One side Studley.
