Shane Kelsey is realistic about Athersley Rec’s chances this season, but expects them to be a much tougher proposition for opposition sides.
Provided there is no changes to restrictions regarding localised competitive sport on Tuesday, the Rec kick off the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division campaign at Handsworth on Wednesday night.
Athersley finished rock bottom when last season was expunged and Kelsey admits it is baby steps, but feels his squad has more steel in it.
“I’m a realist and I’m honest and if you’re looking beyond how difficult it was last season then you’re a fool to yourself,” Kelsey told Non League Yorkshire.
“You have got to understand what you’re dealing with it and drill it into the players and use it as motivation. You’ve got to say ‘eh up lads, these think because we were bottom of the league last year, they’re coming here to beat us up’.
“That’s motivation in itself and we have to use it because nine times out of ten we’re going to come up against better sides. Unfortunately finances are king at this level.
“But our squad is absolutely stronger. Our work rate from the first minute to the last is chalk and cheese to what it was last season. We have drilled fitness into them and they’ve bought into it.
“I’m pretty confident we can get more points on the board than what we did last season.
“You have to hope we hit the ground running and your big players come to the party early and drag the team along. We didn’t have the experience last season, but there’s a few more familiar faces to the NCEL who are a good age and have games under their belts.”