DROYLSDEN love a rollercoaster-style season. One minute they are in the form of their lives and the next they can’t stop conceding. Daniel Willis looks ahead at what the club could be in for in the 2016-17 Evo-Stik First Division North season…
A team which once tasted the highs of the Vanarama Conference, in a matter of years Droylsden are now marooned four divisions below in the Evo-Stik First Division North – The Bloods’ have suffered a fall from grace in recent years.
As the 2016-17 season rolls round, long-term manager Dave Pace prepares to take his Droylsden side into a new season – and hopefully a brighter future beckons in comparison to their dismal performance in previous campaigns.
The 2015-16 season offered much redemption for The Bloods, however a 19th-placed finish symbolised the amount of work that needs to be done if they are to battle it out at the competitive end of the table.
With over two decades at the helm, it is up to Pace and his backroom staff to begin to rebuild the once promising outfit back into the fearless team they were when they were promoted to the Conference back in the 2006-07 season.
Last season was quite the uphill struggle – however that doesn’t mean there wasn’t memorable moments.
Their game against Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup Qualifying Round three gave both sets of fans lots to talk about…
As for this coming season – Droylsden backroom staff are keeping their cards very close to their chest in revealing signings.
One of the main issues which has plagued Droylsden in recent years is the debt in which the club has suffered.
After almost suffering administration a few seasons ago, the club has managed to get itself back out of the red and into a more comfortable position. Will this allow The Bloods to create a new, youthful successful team to compete this season?
First five games:
- Lancaster City (A) – Saturday August 13
- Prescot Cables (H) – Tuesday August 16
- Radcliffe Borough (H) – Saturday August 20
- Colne (A) – Saturday August 27
- Mossley (H) – Monday August 29
Signings in and players out:
STATEMENT: Quays News contacted the club regarding both these sections and were told that the list of players – both in and out – remains undisclosed as the club continue finalising negotiations to complete their squad.
Droylsden have said they are waiting until closer to the season to announce the players who have joined and those who have left officially and thus there is to be no comment at this time.
Key players:
Lee Rick: One of the stalwarts of The Bloods, Lee Rick has been at the club since 2010 – and continues to be a long standing member of the team. The midfielder made 28 appearances for Droylsden last season, and as a seasoned pro, his no-nonsense style will maintain his popularity with all fans alike.
Sean Lake: Lake is another veteran who may play a huge part this year. Not recieiving as many opportunities as he may have liked last season – Lake is now the undisputed number one, and the 28-year-old will be itching to prove himself against some of the best goalkeepers that the league has to offer.
Michael Byron: Byron could be a dark horse going into the new season – the long-term Droylsden defender has been a regular since he joined from Bala Town back in 2013, but has never really shone as a star player for the team. With what will most likely be a new look team for this coming season, it’s up to Byron to show his worth.
Potential line-up:
Prediction:
The following season can really go either way for Dave Pace’s men.
After a number of seasons spiralling down – it is up to the Bloods to turn it around this season and find some much needed consistency.
With a number of new players expected to sign for the club, the new season will most likely offer them stability, instead of a relegation dogfight – promotion shouldn’t be expected this season.
Verdict: 12th
By Daniel Willis
@DanJWillis_
NB: *All information is accurate as of July 29*
Recent Comments