Holmer boss hopes to avoid relegation battle

Jul 27 2012 By Greg Burns

HOLMER Green boss Chris Allen expects his side to avoid a repeat of last season’s relegation battle drama.

The Greens ended four points clear of the drop zone in the Spartan South Mids Premier Division after a late rally saw them escape the drop but they are aiming higher this term.

They start the season with an FA Cup qualifier at home to Hartley Wintney on August 11 before kicking-off their league campaign at home to Hadley three days later.

Allen said: “We have kept most of the first-team squad of last year and added to it because we needed to improve.

“We are trying to get used to a system of play but I am looking forward to the season.

“It was important we stayed in the Premier Division and we fought ourselves out of the hole we were in. We are not carried away with ourselves but I think we can have a good season.”

Greens skipper Gary Finch has taken on a coaching role at Airedale Park as he recovers from the broken leg he suffered in March.

Allen said: “He is helping me out on the bench but he won’t be playing for six months. The lads all respect him and he is a good person to have around the place.”