Nigel Kyte believes the feel-good-factor has returned to Temple Fortune following the appointment of manager Simon Linden.
The former Blizzard Storm boss has over-hauled the Fortune squad and they go into Sunday’s MGBSFL Division Two opener at Mill Hill Dons with high hopes.
Club chairman Kyte said: “We’ve endured three difficult seasons where we were forced to field relatively weakened teams.
"With Simon now on board, we have strengthened considerably and for the first time in a while we're optimistic that we'll hold our own at the very least.”
The goals have been flying in during pre-season and Linden’s men approach the season full of belief.
“We’ve just had a couple of inter-club matches, where everyone played with a smile and enjoyed the morning," he told JC Sport.
“The most important point to make is that the morning was a fantastic example of what a great football club we are all part of at TFFC."
"I arrived at the club impressed with the organisation and everyone has worked very hard preparing for the new season. My objective is to take Temple Fortune FC back to where it belongs. I really do look forward to exciting times ahead.”
COMPETITIONS ENTERED:
We have decided to give the Peter Morrison Trophy a miss again. Even though they have finally reverted back to a more sensible format, we do not feel ready to compete in this competition yet. Perhaps one for the future if we climb the League.
HOPES FOR THE SEASON:
At TFFC, we don't talk about winning titles until we're in a possible position to win titles so we will see what 2016/17 brings us!
PLAYERS IN & OUT:
We have brought in several new players, including two formerly with us who have returned. All of them have certainly added quality to the squad, which includes a few committed TFFC stalwarts. It's not our policy to list names because we are still in the process of getting pen on paper! Because Simon had a great response in our pre-season programme, sadly he has had to release some players.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
It would be unfair to pick out any stars from this group of keen players – we'd rather have the opposition waiting to see this new-look Temple Fortune team which is a far cry from the ones we'd had to field in recent seasons, that's for sure! Perhaps people will look at the league table last season and think TFFC will be an easy roll-over again – no problem, that suits us!
WHAT WILL THE TEAM BRING TO THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON?
Being the longest running club in the League under the same name, we hope to restore the pride TFFC had enjoyed for many years which included six seasons in the Premier Division. The club brings the same renowned organisation that has graced this League for 40 years – and now a new-look management team and an exciting squad. Simon's job – and his strong desire – can be summed up in one word: progression!
TEAM CAPTAIN:
The experienced Adam Speck will captain the team, with Lee Fegan as the vice-captain. The former Blizzard Storm skipper, Adam is a tremendous player who we hope will proudly lead TFFC to better things.
HOME GROUND:
We'll be spending our last season at the Roger Bannister Sports Centre before its closure for much needed ground renovations next summer.
KIT:
With the new manager we have a new kit, a dynamic variation of our traditional yellow and red colours: red shirts with a yellow curved band, red shorts and yellow socks
SPONSOR: James Ryan of Ellis & Co.
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