Pagham FC boss praises commitment as host of players sign

Pagham boss Kerry Hardwell has hailed the commitment of his players and their keenness to return to training as the Lions gear up for the new season.
Pagham manager Kerry Hardwell / Picture: Roger SmithPagham manager Kerry Hardwell / Picture: Roger Smith
Pagham manager Kerry Hardwell / Picture: Roger Smith

Hardwell took over last November and led Pagham to a decent run of results and led them away from the SCFL premier division relegation zone before the season ended early because of the lockdown.

He has already secured the services of many of last season's squad - and some new faces - as he plots a successful 2020-21 campaign at Nyetimber Lane.

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There are growing hopes the SCFL season will start in September after the latest guidance from the government, filtered down through the FA. And it can't come a moment too soon for Hardwell.

He told us: "After a crazy few months with the pandemic it’s great to be back training again with the boys and great to see everyone is in good health.

"We have started back training once a week and the commitment of the lads so far has been top class. It’s fantastic for me and my staff that we have had the majority of last season's squad all ready sign up.

"Club captain Jack Barnes along with Connor Geogehegan, Toby Funnell, Joe Clarke, Jake Heryet, Ryan Hallett, Callum Chalmers, Jamie Caroll have signed up.

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"We also welcome some new faces to the club - goalkeeper Connor Kelly and forward Grant Radmore have signed from Steyning, Ashley Hawkes from Arundel, Tom Atkinson, and Scott Rafferty, Maciek Kason from Selsey.

"All of these players will add quality and experience to the squad. We are still looking to add a few more to the squad to be as competitive as we can be next season.

"As always it’s tough to get people to sign on straight away, but I think this season you will see the ambition of players who want to play as high as possible and those who don’t take their football that serious and maybe stepping down a level or two.

"The club have been working hard improving the facilities at the club - a new home changing room is completed and new advertising boards around the ground are making the ground and pitch look much better.

"I can’t wait for football to be back and am so pleased to have Aaron Miller, Ryan Pharo, Louis Haga Hammond, Jack Millard and Vijay alongside me.

"Fingers crossed a start date is looming for us all."

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