Six weeks and counting! Eastbourne aim to hit ground running

Danny Bloor says a six-week pre-season - which has started this week - should mean his Eastbourne Borough squad “hit the ground running” when they take the field in their FA Cup season opener on October 3.
Eastbourne Boro aim to hit the ground running when their season starts on October 3 / Picture: Jon RigbyEastbourne Boro aim to hit the ground running when their season starts on October 3 / Picture: Jon Rigby
Eastbourne Boro aim to hit the ground running when their season starts on October 3 / Picture: Jon Rigby

“We began full training on Tuesday night, and we’ll now be training every Tuesday and Thursday, interwoven with a schedule of friendly matches. We begin those with a home fixture against Rusthall from the Kent League," he said.

“I am delighted with the team-building so far. My head of recruitment Graham Wright is working closely with me to identify those players who will enrich our squad, and who will not just sign the piece of paper but sign up to our whole Eastbourne Borough project.”

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Bloor and his coaches have been running open sessions on Tuesday nights – and they’ve been almost overwhelmed with the numbers eager to show their skills and potential. With the accent on youth, several have caught the Gaffer’s eye and have now joined the first team sessions.

“We are also closing in on a few more signings, including a strong experienced defender who I expect to be joining the ranks shortly. I am also talking with two more forwards, both of whom are exactly the sort of players that our supporters will love.”

* The Sports have announced the departure of popular commercial manager Guy Pearson. Chairman Dave Blackmore explained: “We are really sorry to lose Guy, who has done sterling work and has worked tirelessly to raise our profile and bring in sponsors – as well as being a helpful, friendly face whome supporters regard as one of their own.

“Guys like Guy are priceless. But he also runs his own business, and has found it difficult to combine the two roles and give the time which the club commercial work demands.”

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Pearson is not severing his connections. He remains manager of the club’s under-10 squad and will still be seen at the Lane. A new commercial appointment is in the pipeline and will be announced shortly.

* Eastbourne Borough have released details of their season tickets, which are now on sale for the new National South campaign. A full-price adult season ticket costs £215, with concessions for over-65s, students and Under-18s, NHS, and Armed Forces all at £155.

“We will also offer a rebate - £35 or concessions £25 - for the four missed matches in March and April,” said CEO John Bonar this week.

“But it is only honest to admit we would be delighted if supporters decided to waive that discount, and make a donation of the missed games. The club has worked every which way since March, simply to stay afloat.

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“We are one with our supporters, like all clubs across non-league, and I hope that as many of you as possible will buy season tickets up front, and give us that vital boost as we launch our belated new season!”