NEW SEASON PREVIEW: Millington the right man for Clipstone

Clipstone chairman Brett Marshall is confident he has found the right man to replace him as manager.
Clipstone v Teversal
Clipstone's Adam Wisdom, left, celebrates his goal with provider Carl Haslam.Clipstone v Teversal
Clipstone's Adam Wisdom, left, celebrates his goal with provider Carl Haslam.
Clipstone v Teversal Clipstone's Adam Wisdom, left, celebrates his goal with provider Carl Haslam.

The Cobras have appointed Chris Millington ahead of the new NCEL season on Saturday and Marshall said: “After standing down as manager, finding the right candidate was a difficult process.

“However, I feel we have made the right choice with Chris Millington.

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“As predicted we have had a huge turn around in personnel, but the new faces will settle in given time.

“Following on from last season we are now in the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s 90 years history and once again in the FA Vase.

“Off the field our trading partnership with Mansfield Town has been renewed and has been extended with both Thursday evenings HKL league fixtures along with Saturday mornings FYA fixtures being played at our WVH Stadium home.”

He added: “Also our main club sponsor Riley & Co Mansfield Ltd has renewed and we have once again a new home strip for the new season.

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“The season ahead needs everyone associated with Clipstone FC to show patience with the transition but enjoy the positives on and off the field, and hopefully we’ll ‎ take another little step forward to establish ourselves in local non-League football.

Millington said: “With the season so close I am happy with our progress as a team.

“Pre-season has provided its challenges, not only with the calibre of teams that we played but also the fact that we have struggled to field our strongest 16 from the players that we have signed.

“I am aware this is part and parcel of pre-season, but it is frustrating nevertheless.

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“In terms of performances we have been a little inconsistent with really good results against Mansfield, Scarborough and Rainworth, and contrasting performances against Heanor and a 20-minute spell against Retford.
“The squad is coming together nicely and I am confident that come Saturday we will have a strong set of players to choose from.”

He added; “It will be important that the players that have their chance in the early parts of the season take it with both hands and give myself Steve and Ginner things to think about.

“This season like every season we will need a core squad of 18-20 players who are willing to commit to the club and be available on a weekly basis to fight for their places.

“With last seasons players’ player of the season, managers’ player of the season and young player of the season all staying on with the club, we should see a steady progression up the table.”

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