Ian Dunn is targeting silverware with Pinchbeck United this season as he bids to improve on last year’s solid showing.
The Pinchbeck player/boss, who returned to Knight Street last season for a second spell following a short stint as Boston Town boss, has his eyes on a historic Lincs Junior Cup victory.
Having won the ChromaSport Peterborough Premier Division and PFA Senior Cup double with the club in 2012, former Spalding United and Holbeach United striker Dunn steered Pinchbeck to seventh place last term.
With “six or seven” new signings earmarked ahead of the new kick-off, the 34-year-old admits that his charges should be “in the mix” at the sharp end of the table this year.
Dunn’s refusing to target the title at this stage, labelling the PDFL’s top tier as “wide open”. But he does want to add another trophy to the Pinchbeck coffers.
“Last season was very difficult,” admitted the player/boss. “We really struggled with availability all year.
“There was no consistency in the back four or in goal, meaning we conceded way too many goals.
“We did manage a lot of goals at the other end though – I don’t think many teams outscored us. The aim has to be to keep our attacking prowess, while also halving the goals against column. It sounds obvious, but if we can do that I’m confident we’ll be in the mix at the top end.
“I do think that it’s a wide open league this year. The usual suspects will be up there – Whittlesey, Moulton, Netherton and ICA Sports to name just a few.
“We need to be in the top four at Christmas and then I’ll re-assess. But for now, it’d be wrong to label my team title contenders.
“I do want to win some silverware for the club, though. The one I’d really like is the Lincs Junior Cup, as the club has never won it before.
“Winning that would make a lot of good people at Pinchbeck United happy.
“We’ve just got to hope that the draws in the cups are kind to us. Last year we got tough draws in every competition. Hopefully our luck changes.”
One of the big changes from last season sees former Boston United under-16 boss Allan Ross join Pinchbeck as assistant manager.
Ross, who also worked with ex-Holbeach chief Glen Maddison during his time with Sleaford Town, was Dunn’s number one choice to join his backroom staff.
Having chased him all summer, Ross finally committed himself to the club last week – leaving Dunn delighted.
He added: “It’s great to have Allan on-board. He’s a very good coach that has experience of football higher that the level we’re playing.
“He’s very enthusiastic and committed to our cause, while also being a very good people person. The lads will love him and I’m very pleased we’ve got him on-board. He was the person we
wanted from day one – and it’s great to get the deal done.”
Other notable deals done by Pinchbeck have seen ex-Horncastle Town striker Tony Edwards and former Holbeach defender Ash Murrell agree terms. Young trio Kofi Ross, Harry Vince and
Ollie Coulam have also agreed to sign for United, while skipper Ollie Maltby and talanted hitman Adam Abell have shrugged off interest from higher-ranked sides to stay.
Dunn is speaking to a host of other targets, including a new goalkeeper, ahead of the new season.
