Stalwart defender Bobby Patterson insists that it’ll be business as usual for Moulton Harrox as they prepare to kick-off the defence of their ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title on Saturday.
Harrox, who romped to their second title in four seasons last term with a huge haul of 92 points, host Stilton United at Broad Lane (1pm).
There has been a bit of upheaval over the close season, with title-winning boss Dave Panton stepping down, top scorer Ollie Maltby and midfielder Tom Panton moving to Pinchbeck United and key defender Ash Coddington stepping up to join Holbeach United.
However, Harrox have swooped for left-sider Danny Maddison and Spalding Town goal machine Marcus Parry, while skipper Billy King is staying with the club despite interest from UCL Division One side Whittlesey Athletic.
Patterson admits that it’s been a testing summer for the team, but feels the caretaker management team of boss Nigel Steadman and number two Paul Crowson will ensure that Moulton have another strong season.
He said: “Pre-season has been a little difficult with Dave’s departure. However, with the appointment of Nigel and Paul – two people who command respect both on and off the pitch – things now look far more positive.
“As is often the case with all successful teams, higher level clubs have been sniffing after the majority of last season’s players.
“Yet, contrary to reports, only Ash Coddington and Ollie Maltby have departed from the regular starting line-up. We’ll obviously leave the door open to them to return if things don’t work out – purely on the basis of what they helped us achieve last season.
“Tom Panton, who played the majority of last season with our reserves and who we were hoping would progress to the first team this season, has also left the club.
“With them leaving we welcome in Danny Maddison, a very clever and creative player and Marcus Parry, a very raw and quick forward who scored over 50 goals last season and deserves the opportunity to test himself at Premier Division level.”
Moulton were beaten 2-1 by underdogs Langtoft United in The Jack Hogg Memorial Shield last week, with Parry getting off the mark.
Patterson isn’t reading too much into that result and is adamant that the aim will be the same as it always is at Harrox – aim for the top six and to progress well in the cup competitions.
He added: ” This year’s aim is the same as any previous season at Moulton, a top six finish and a decent cup run.
“We have a tight-knit bunch of experienced players, who boast 18 Peterborough Premier Division titles between us.
“We’ll once again be under the leadership of captain, Billy King and will look to help develop the younger talent at the club – the likes of Louis Steadman, Declan Earth and others.
“We will work hard in typical Moulton fashion and continue to enjoy our football.”
After Saturday’s home date with Stilton, Moulton visit Thorney on Tuesday night (6.30pm).
They’ll have to do without Patterson and winger Ben Allen, who are serving two and six game bans respectively following their red cards in the President Premier Shield defeat against Pinchbeck at the end of last season.
