The list of teams for the National League South was completed on Sunday when Braintree Town came through the play-offs to clinch promotion to the National League. The Yellow Army will already be busy planning their routes for our away fixtures.
Squad building is certainly at the forefront of TUFC head coach Gary Owers’ mind, but his experience of this league certainly gives the Club an advantage as he prepares the ground for our National League South campaign.
“It’s a very competitive league,” said TUFC head coach Gary Owers. “Over half the based in and around the London area so they are always strong – tough places to go. The more local games are going to be really hard. That’s what we have have to overcome.
“I know what’s in store. We’ve got to go to some tough places – different and challenging environments. Every game at Plainmoor is going to be everyone’s big day out so we’re we’re going to have to work hard to make sure we’re ready for that.
We know that United will remain a full-time outfit, that advantage has to tell on the pitch according to Owers.
“We have to make the most of being professional; can’t waste any time on the training ground. That’s got to be a big advantage to us in terms of our fitness levels and our organization. They [the players] have to come in and understand that they are going to have to work hard. We’re going to have to work on being at home and being really, really strong in front of our own fans. That will go a long way to help us achieve what we want to achieve. It’s about gearing everything up to be ready, ready to come out of the traps from the start.”
The team will have to fight for every point they get this season and compete against some talented and technically gifted opposition.
“People might be surprised,” added Owers. “The top end [of the league] will be close to the National League, and you’re always going to come up against that physical challenge in these leagues.”