By John Bridgwater
Struggling Craven Arms Town have moved to appoint a new manager – but the club still need the support of players if they are to stay afloat in the County League division one next season.
That’s the message from chairman Dave Rowley who admits there is plenty to do to revive fortunes after the club finished rooted to the foot of the table last term.
But the appointment of a new manager is a step in the right direction with Les “Little” Bowen this week taking charge of his home town club.
It was hoped his arrival would provide a stabilising influence as training got under way this week, with Rowley saying it would be a “fresh start” for the south Shropshire club.
However, he warned there was still plenty to do in the coming weeks to ensure the club exists next season.
Training is now under way, with the club looking to gauge the interest of players at next Wednesday’s session at their ground (7pm).
“There is a lot of interest, but we still have to convince players to play for us,” said chairman Rowley. “What we don’t want is to go into the season scrambling for a side every Saturday so we need to make sure we’ve got enough players who will support the club.
“It is expensive to play in the County League so we don’t want to be pulling out during the season.
“If the numbers are not there, it is likely that we will not enter the league.
“Hopefully it will not come to that, but it’s touch and go at the moment. We’ve got a new manager and some new members on the committee so it’s like starting again.
“There are a lot of players about but we now need them to get behind the club.”
Last season was a struggle for Craven Arms, with manager Mike Seaborne resigning halfway through the campaign as he blamed a lack of commitment from some of the team.
Jamie Morris then took over with a young squad, but stepped down at the end of the season due to other commitments.
The club have now managed to secure Bowen as new boss, the 35-year-old being a former player who has returned to help out his old club.
And he will now be hoping to get the backing of the town to avoid the prospect of pulling out of the league, which would be a massive blow for all concerned.
