BROMSGROVE Rovers AFC manager Spencer Machin has challenged his players to ‘do themselves justice’ as his side prepares to embark on their new league campaign, writes Neil Gordon.
The challenge comes with the Greens promoted to Division One of the Birmingham and District Football League, and ahead of their opening day fixture against Desi FC on Saturday, September 6.
Rovers accepted their second-successive close season promotion from Division Two after finishing last season in fourth – just two places and eight points off automatic promotion.
Machin said: “Promotion to Division One is a positive step for us. We want to continually progress the team and actually turned down the Premier Division.
“The players will need to commit to one another, believe in themselves and do themselves justice.”
Division One will see Rovers pitted against strong opposition including FC Stratford, Kings Heath Rangers and Sutton United, while also reacquainting themselves with Hampton Sports, Hopwood Swifts and Silhill from Division Two.
Machin wants a positive start to the new campaign after the coaching staff and players put in a lot of hard work during pre-season, which saw the team going unbeaten in friendlies against teams including Worcester United, Henley Forest and Sutton United.
Machin added: “We played some good warm-up matches, showed a lot of character and won without getting out of third or fourth gear. “Against Sutton United we tried a new formation and came from behind to win 3-2.
“If we don’t win the title this season, then we can finish in the top three.”
And the club also announced it has relocated from Charford Road to Studley Sports and Social Club so it can return to playing on grass, and hopefully see a reduction in player injuries.
Machin said: “The cost of playing on the 3G pitch was high and the players were picking up injuries. Playing on grass is more forgiving.
“Also, there’s a clubhouse at Studley the players can use to socialise and bond, which brings togetherness.
“If the players pull together and work the way they can, and play the way I know they can, they will have a very good season.”
Bromsgrove face Desi FC at Aston University’s Birmingham Road Campus on Saturday, September 6. Kick-off is 2.30pm and admission free.
