Quality Over Quantity for Appleford

Quality over quantity has been the approach used in the transfer market this summer by Christian Appleford in an....

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Published 4th August 2012

Christian Appleford

....attempt to make Mildenhall Town genuine title contenders in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division.

Despite finishing seventh last year - a position many clubs would have gladly settled for - it was seen by many involved as a disappointing result for the Recreation Way outfit.

Once again Mildenhall look to have assembled another strong squad which could rival any of the top teams in this year’s re-named league.

For Appleford it has been a case of a straight swap of three in, three out.

While Rogan McGeorge, Josh Turner and Craig Skipp have all said farewell to the club, Hall have welcomed on board Paul Jones, Darryl Coakley and James Attwood.

“Darryl is a big signing for us,” said Appleford. “He is someone I have been after for a while and I don’t think you will see many better left-backs than him at this level.

“Paul Jones has in pre-season shown just what a quality player he is, while James Attwood has looked sharp in both training and the friendlies we have played.

“He offers us something that bit different out wide, something we didn’t have last year.”

Although happy about his new signings, Appleford is equally excited about retaining the services of both forty-goal hitman Andrew Wood and highly-rated teenager Isaac Jagroop.

“Isaac only made his first-team debut midway through last season but with having him from the start of the campaign it is like we have signed a new player as he can play either in midfield or up top,” said Appleford.

“Although Wroxham were interested in Andrew Wood I was 95 per cent certain he was going to stay at Mildenhall this season.

“There is no reason why he can’t score as many goals as he did last season.”

Signs from each of Town’s pre-season matches have been positive.

Recording victories over both Ryman League Division One North outfit Soham Town Rangers and Suffolk & Ipswich League side Ipswich Valley Rangers, the Recreation Way outfit also put up a spirited performance during a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ryman Premier side Bury Town.

“We have played pretty well in each of our friendlies,” said Appleford. “After we went 2-0 down to Bury the game turned out to be pretty even and we should have got on the scoresheet ourselves.

“We were pleased with the result especially as they play two leagues above us.”

As for their 2012/13 league campaign Town open their season with a home fixture against Gorleston.

“Gorleston is a tough opener as they will have a strong side as I know they have made a few new signings,” said Appleford.

“Last season was disappointing for us and the key this year will be to start strong and maintain it like we saw Ely City do last year.

“A top ten finish is an absolute minimum for us. Ideally we want to better our seventh position from last year.”

[Source: Newmarket Journal]