Fans play utmost importance this season; "we couldn't pass up" signing Breeden, says Kelly - The Bromsgrove Standard

Fans play utmost importance this season; "we couldn't pass up" signing Breeden, says Kelly

Bromsgrove Editorial 8th Aug, 2019   0

ROUSLERS manager Brendan Kelly says the Victoria Ground faithful can make every bit of difference, as Bromsgrove Sporting get their first campaign at step three underway this Saturday (3pm) against Biggleswade Town.

Bromsgrove start their Southern Premier League Central campaign against four seasoned clubs at this level who were pushing for promotion last term, with visits to Tamworth, Coalville Town and Stourbridge awaiting Kelly’s men after opening at home.

But despite the tough start awaiting his side, the Bromsgrove manager is confident that the Rouslers can get off to a positive start with the backing of the fans.

“We couldn’t have had a tougher start if we’d have handpicked it ourselves,” said Kelly.




“The first four games are against tough teams who were up there last season, but we’ll be making sure to give a good account of ourselves.

“Providing they show up, the fans will play a huge part for us this season.


“I’m very proud to lead the club in another new division, and there are very exciting times ahead.

“We had that unbeaten run at home last season, we know it’ll be a lot harder to do that with the big jump from step four to three, and we won’t be expecting to win as many home games as before, but our home form will be key.”

Sporting signed off their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 victory against AFC Dunstable last Saturday, courtesy of a Shaquille McDonald brace and a John Pykett strike, with Kelly labelling the performance as Bromsgrove’s best out of the warm-up games.

“I was pleased with the game, it was the most the most complete performance of pre-season,” he said.

“It’s given us a boost in confidence ahead of a historic day at the Victoria Ground on Saturday.”

One player who could appear during the opener is goalkeeper Tony Breeden, who last week arrived at the club following his release from National League North side Leamington.

Kelly admits the prospect of bringing in Breeden was one he could not afford to turn down.

“When the opportunity to sign him was there, it was one we couldn’t pass up,” he said.

“Tony had many options, his phone was constantly buzzing when he came to see us, but I’m chuffed he chose us.

“He’s a local lad and knows a lot of the players already, he’s massive with the experience that he brings and ability wise he’s one of the best in non-league.”

The Sporting boss provided an update on the squad available to him for Saturday’s game, and said that Leon Broadhurst, one of the Rouslers’ seven summer signings, is an injury doubt.

“Unfortunately on Saturday Leon injured his knee, so he’s a concern,” said Kelly.

“Jake Heath has a trapped nerve, and there’s a few others that are coming back from niggles and knocks, so it’ll give me a few conundrums when it comes to picking a squad of 16 for Saturday.”

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