Swans boss greets football's return and says new cup will be one to enjoy

Storrington manager Bob Paine says he and his players are delighted to be training and playing again - and are looking forward to taking part in the new Southern Combination Supplementary Cup.
Swans boss Bob PaineSwans boss Bob Paine
Swans boss Bob Paine

The Swans have already played one friendly and have another before their SCFL Cup group campaign begins on Saturday versus Worthing United.

Paine said: "It was great to finally see all the staff and players at training last Monday as we returned to training after 14 weeks of inactivity. Some 32 players returned to the club for the first session in which we did some fitness work as well as some ball work finishing the session with a training game.

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"We then went into the first of two friendlies before the SCFL Cup competition where we entertained Newhaven FC at the Rec. We agreed to play a 3x30 minute match which enabled me to use 25 players with everyone getting at least 30 minutes. I was happy with the workout and it gave me a chance to assess the fitness of the players.

"We lost a close match 2-0 but more important than the result was ensuring the players got back on the pitch in a competitive game as we look quickly to improve their fitness levels.

"Our second friendly is at Broadbridge Heath FC tomorrow (Tues Apr 6) where I will be taking 19 players and again the plan is to rotate the team and give everyone some minutes. We will then train on Thursday as we prepare for the visit of Worthing Utd in the first SCFL Cup game.

"We are looking forward to the SCFL Cup competition and will use the whole squad given the hectic schedule with two matches each week for three weeks. No doubt we will pick up injuries after the players have been out for so long so all the squad will get a chance of some game time.

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"For me I’ll be using the games as a bit of a pre pre-season with no worry or pressure about progressing in the competition, if we do we do but it’s more important for me to start the planning for next season.

"Being able to use five subs from five is a good change although I would have preferred rolling subs given how long the players have not played for and the busy schedule. We are the lowest ranked team in our group but our form before the latest lockdown was good having won two of our last three games so I hope we can continue that form and spring a few surprises!

"Our last match of the season will be a friendly at home to Dorking Wanderers Academy on Tuesday 11th May after which we will have a few weeks off before pre season training will start at the end of June."

Keep up to date with all the SCFL Cup action from this weekend in the County Times and on this website

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