WE caught up with the management team, Mike Wilde and Danny Harrison, ahead of Bay’s first pre-season game against Llanrwst United at the 4 Crosses Construction Arena on Saturday.
They reflected on the work that’s been going on since they were appointed in May.
“It’s been a really good start, really positive” Mike said
“We’ve managed to get through a lot in the six or seven contacts we’ve already had
Danny added: “The squad that we’ve assembled, we’ve done it a way where we knew the majority of the boys. There are some that we are still getting to know.
“We’re really happy how things are gelling. We’ve had different types of sessions where we’ve demanded different bits from the lads and so far we’ve been extremely happy with how things have shaping up.”
Summer recruitment has seen 10 signings, including several players rejoining the club and Mike said: “It’s important that they know the size of the football club and I think it’s important they know what we’re trying to do.
“We’ve brought in lads that are familiar with the league, we’ve brought in lads that are familiar with how me and Danny operate and I think that’s so important going forward.
“We’ve blended that with a bit of youth as well because we trust young lads as well and their football ability.
“They’ll have the opportunity to prove and to stake their claim going forward especially in the coming months.
Mike added: “The preparation for the Llanrwst game is very much concentrating on ourselves. All we’re looking to do with the lads is making sure they get minutes through the legs.
“It’s a cliché of pre-season but I think it’s vital as well. We’ve got a good base fitness now and we’ve had the ball out on numerous occasions in training but nothing can beat competitive football or pre-season friendlies.
“So what we’ll look to try and do now is get football specific minutes through the lads, see how they react, see how they react to some of the information that we’re going to put on them and some of the demands we put on them in a football environment, in a match.”
Bay will begin the JD Cymru North season on 25 July at home against Bangor 1865 before games against champions Holywell Town and newly promoted Llay Miners Welfare.
“I’ve gone on record to say that this Cymru North is so competitive,” Danny said.
“This was one of the reasons that this league and this club attracted us to this project if you like. It’s as competitive as it’s been recent years.
“Everything is gearing up towards that first game. Nothing’s won in pre-season – it’s about preparing the lads and about getting every one through unscathed, getting minutes in legs.
“The building blocks are there and we’re looking forward to the next couple of weeks building up to it.”
Following Tom McCready’s retirement at the end of last season, Sam Hart has been appointed new club captain.
Danny explained: “We’ve both been team-mates of Harty’s in the past – we know how well respected he is in the changing room, regardless of whether he’s got the armband.
“People look up to him.”
