As we approach the halfway stage in our pre-season programme, Town make the short visit to Potters Bar tomorrow with the added incentive of free entry to all supporters.

The game celebrates the Scholars’65th anniversary and is being played for the Potters Bar Charity Cup.

Just as importantly for the hosts, it is being treated as the official opening of their new-look ground following the completion of 3G works.

No tickets are being sold online and instead of an entry fee, supporters are encouraged to donate money for the Potters Bar Charity Cup Benevolent Fund, which will be distributed to a number of local charities.

With our opening fixture at Torquay three weeks away, the management staff are stepping up their scrutiny of the playing staff in terms of recruitment and fitness.

“I’ve talked already about the pitch at Walthamstow. The game had very little quality but you have to recognise it for what it was,” said Gavin Macpherson. “Did we get out of it what we wanted? Not really but hopefully we’ll get more out of Saturday.”

“The strategy going forward now is to improve on the things we need to. That’s what pre-season is about. I’ve seen teams lose every pre-season game and get off to an absolute flier, and vice-versa. I’m comfortable where we are and where we have to improve. Not having any injuries is key.”

One huge boost for the club is that Lamar Reynolds’ international registration has now come through after weeks of bureaucratic snafus.

“Lamar for us is expected to be a big player,” said Gavin.  “He’s pacey and will hurt defences with what he does. When you have a player like that who you can’t use, it’s really frustrating. It’s really difficult to plan. If we think what Lemar is going to be for us, then he’s pivotal.

“We’ve had to go along with triallists at the top end of the pitch until such time as Lamar is available. Now we can start to plan ahead. I can’t say at the moment whether he will play at Potters Bar because I need to see where he’s at. I don’t want to push him too hard too quickly. And that goes actually for the rest of the boys.”

With Tommy Wood showing signs of good form already, things appear to be shaping up in an area of the pitch that is notoriously difficult to fill.

“I said when Tommy came in, there’s a hell of a player there who will rattle defences,” said Gavin. “So far the signs are good but he has to keep that up and can’t allow himself a lull and get too comfortable.”

With five more friendlies, the intention is to strengthen squad still further to make sure we have enough on board to be competitive.  

“I think we probably need at least another three before the season starts including one in the middle of the park,” said Gav.

AW