Chris' Comments Ahead of Season Start

After a positive pre-season which has seen a revitalised Central squad win five of seven fixtures, we caught up with manager Chris Tomkinson to discover his thoughts on pre-season, the campaign opener against Avenue FC, and the club's aspirations for 2023/24.

Chris, Central have had a positive pre-season with a completely re-vamped squad winning five of seven games and scoring 32 goals in the process.These fixtures have also allowed you to give some minutes to new players. What are your thoughts on how the side has progressed?

"The lads have done really well throughout pre-season. They have worked relentlessly, doing everything that we have asked of them and more. The lads who were already with us know our expectations, and have gone over and above these, but it has also been brilliant to see so many new lads come in and seemingly hit the ground running.

I have been very impressed by the team, who have started to gel quite nicely, as a full squad re-fresh was certainly needed following a difficult second half of last season."

Central's 2023/24 squad is filled with new faces, and Chris is enthusiastic about his new side.

With that in mind, Chris, are you confident that the side can continue the good run of form into the start of the campaign?

"Absolutely. The confidence should carry through from pre-season, I don't see any reason why it shouldn't. We've had some brilliant performances against some strong sides, and the lads have adapted well to our instructions. There are obviously things to work on and improve, there always is, but I'm hoping that things should only get better with time.

We have a great base to start from, and a great group to work with who seem really keen to get started and face the challenges of the Manchester Football League Division One."

Chris is hopeful that Central's good form will continue against Avenue FC on the opening-day.

Speaking of your instructions, what will you be looking for in the opening-day fixture against Avenue FC?

"Look, we've faced Avenue quite a few times over the previous couple of seasons so we know that it is always a tough fixture that demands us to be at our best. They are a well-organised side with some good players, so I'd love to see the lads continue the work that they have put in over the pre-season to break them down, tire them out and cause them problems. Avenue are a great test for our new group, and one I'm looking forwards to."