Kelly’s call to go for it

Darren Kelly

ATHLETIC manager Darren Kelly will demand the very best from his squad in the upcoming friendlies programme — and says it is important to go out to win EVERY game.

Chester are the club’s first pre-season opponents in a game at the Deva Stadium on Saturday.

Barring injury problems, the game could give supporters their first glimpse of new men George Green, Jake Cassidy and Lee Croft, as well as triallists currently training with the club.

Kelly accepts that the run of friendlies will bolster fitness ahead of the new season start in a month - but he doesn’t want any of his men to be taking things at half-pace to avoid potential injuries.

Victories even in warm-up games can help, Kelly insists, in building the players’ confidence ahead of his first-ever campaign as a manager.

“For me, it is about looking at the whole picture,” said Kelly. “Players have to demand the highest possible standards of themselves. Ideally, we want the squad to gain match fitness and stay injury-free. But there is no doubt it is important to win, too. Confidence breeds confidence.”

After Chester, the players will go to Stirling for further training and friendly games.

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_