Tottenham Hotspur and QPR among clubs visiting Enfield this month

New boss Gavin Macpherson arrived in May

New Enfield Town manager Gavin Macpherson has outlined his strategy for the club’s pre-season programme, which gets under way in mid-July.

Gavin has been welcomed with open arms by Town fans following the departure of Andy Leese, who led the team for six years, and plans to use pre-season matches to get a feel for the personnel at his disposal and to make any necessary alterations ahead of the new season.

Sam Youngs and Jake Cass are among those who have been retained from last campaign, along with club captain Scott Thomas, Joe Payne, James Richmond and Marcus Wyllie.

At the time of going to press, six new faces had been added, including highly-rated goalkeeper Rhys Forster, exciting winger Ollie Knight, much-prized striker Reece Beckles-Richards from local rivals Cheshunt and former Town favourite Mickey Parcell, who makes a welcome return from Hornchurch.

Introduced to the fans last month, Gavin, renowned for his attacking style of play, made a huge impression with his positivity, insightfulness, technical knowledge, attention to detail and engaging manner. Enfield’s division, he conceded, would probably be the strongest ever next season – but he and his staff intend to work tirelessly.

“I’m not a manager who is going to go out there and makes wild predictions,” says Gavin. “We go about our business quietly to achieve the best possible outcome. I’m not fazed by other teams’ budgets.

“I’m bringing a really experienced management team with me.”

Pre-season comes first, starting on Saturday, 15^th July against QPR’s b-team, with the management staff using every game to carefully assess any necessary tweaks.

“I’ve said it many times, the worst thing you can do in pre-season is win every game,” says Gavin. “We will look at certain things, both out of and in possession, so that the boys are ready to go from day one.”

Gavin had considerable interest from other clubs when deciding to leave Met Police FC but says he immediately got a feel for the Towners, not least its fan-owned ethos.

“The fan base has massively invested in the club and I’m very humbled to be here,” he says. “I’m going to give it absolutely everything.”

The pre-season programme of six matches includes the eagerly-awaited annual home fixture against a Tottenham Hotspur under-21s side on Tuesday, 18^th July.

Four days later, the game against Bracknell Town is being dubbed ‘community day’ with a special emphasis on youth, but also using the occasion to widen the entire club’s appeal. Activities in the build-up to kick-off are hoped to include safety demonstrations by local police, fire and ambulance services, plus entertainment in the form of a magician and live band. Adults will be charged only £5 between 12pm and 1.30pm, with children entering for free. They can then stay on to watch the Bracknell game.

Details of all pre-season matches are on the Enfield Town website:
Visit etfc.london

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