Match Day Preview - Dorking Wanderers
It's T-1 day as K's begin to get their pre-season going at Dorking Wanderers.
Kingstonian begin their pre-season friendly programme this Saturday, away to promoted Dorking Wanderers.
In previewing the fixture, the official website spoke to Manager, Hayden Bird.
"We are looking forward to the game," said the new Kingstonian boss. "The boys have worked exceptionally hard in training and are looking forward to the pre-season friendlies."
"It will certainly be a challenging opener. Dorking Wanderers won the League last season and have improved their squad with the signing of three experienced players. With the National South starting on 3rd August, Marc's lads returned a week before we did and have already played two friendlies. Needless to say, this should make them sharper than us, but I'm not concerned about the opposition. These games are about gaining match fitness and this is the first opportunity for the new players to understand the new ideas. The results are unimportant until 10th August, these games are all work towards that."
Hayden confirmed four players that will miss the game and one surprise addition to his first squad. "Tom Kavanagh (Central Midfield), Kenny Beaney (Central Midfield), Ben Harrison (Left Back) and Ollie Cook (Central Defender) are unavailable, which is frustrating. Dan Bennett suffered an impact injury, in a collision with David Fitzpatrick on Thursday night and is doubtful. Kenny will return on Tuesday, but we will have to wait a little longer for the other three. On the flip side, Amadou Tangara has decided to fight Rob for his shirt after all, so both keepers will play forty-five minutes."
As Hayden approached his first game, he stressed how important the K's support will be to the new-look team. "I'm looking forward to meeting the Kingstonian supporters for the first time. They are going to be pivotal to our success this season. I want to use the pre-season to build a bond between the team and the fans. Tomorrow is our first chance to do that."
"As for Saturday, we are not expecting too much. Myself and the staff have focused on the physical condition of the players so far in pre-season. This week, we started to touch on the strategies and playing style. It's very early and Saturday is simply Day One in our exciting journey ahead."
