NEW-LOOK Ludlow Town are many people’s tips to flourish in the County League this season – but commercial manager Mark Siveter remains guarded over the early optimism.
Under new boss Mike Seaborne, the south Shropshire side are shaping up nicely with a local flavour in their squad as they gear up for pastures new after stepping down from the
West Midland League last term. Training and friendlies have gone well, and there is talk on the circuit that Ludlow can make an immediate impression in the County League premier division.
But Siveter is refusing to get carried away, believing the first season will be one of consolidation following the arrival of new players before the club can aim higher the following year.
“Everything’s very positive here, there was a buzz last season under Stuart Corns and there’s a real buzz again this year,” he said. “Mike Seaborne has come in and is doing a very good job.
“Friendlies and training are going well, we’ve now got a lot of players from the local area involved, there are some good lads here. The local support for the friendlies has been fantastic and people are enjoying the football that we’re playing.”
However, he added: “People say we are a big club because of our facilities, but they should remember where we are situated, in a small catchment area.
“We shouldn’t put our expectations too high at the moment, the County League is a good league with good teams from Shrewsbury and Telford. With a lot of new players, they’ll need a season together and our first task must be to consolidate before looking for a possible challenge the following season.”
Seaborne has moved to bring in several new recruits to add to last season’s squad, with highly-rated brothers Nathan and Aaron Hodge following him from last season’s successful Leintwardine Colts side.
And the prolific Nathan Hodge could make his first appearance of the season on Sunday when Ludlow host Hereford Lads Club in a friendly at the SBS Stadium (5pm) as they look to build on last week’s 4-2 win over local rivals Church Stretton.
Prospects are also looking promising for the Colts under coach Geoff Simkiss, with the young side in friendly action against Stretton this week.
Meanwhile, plenty of young footballing talent will be on show when Ludlow host a top junior five-a-side tournament this weekend.
Under-nines and under-11s will be competing tomorrow, while on Sunday, the under-eights, under-10s and under-12s will be in action.