First Team-Manager Luke Goddard says the Reds will need to be at their best in tomorrows NWCL opening fixture as we make the long journey to Lancashire to face Padiham FC.

“It’s always a difficult fixture at Padiham, they’re a well established club and although last few seasons they have struggled at the wrong end you always know a Storks team will be an ultra competitive one and it’s a really tough place to go. We will have to be at our best to start the season positively”

After a disappointing exit last time out in the FA Vase the gaffer says the environment has changed since in the first team after a back to basics approach.

“I don’t need to dwell on the last game, quite simply it wasn’t a reflection of one of my teams or one that should represent this club. Tomorrow there will be no excuse and with a few key bodies now back we certainly will not lack the desire and effort I demand of anyone who puts on an Alport shirt. The last week we’ve united and trained well in what is still very difficult times for Clubs at our level”

Long term injuries have hit the squad hard recently with skipper Campion and dynamic midfielder Allcock missing for numerous months. Goddard however says it’s been a time to reflect at where the team and Club are at, with a realistic ambition now needed as a whole Club.

“It’s clear we have some of our big players missing, our squad as a whole is very unproven from what we started with last year but that is much needed. When taking the job again I clearly stated I’m taking this Club back four years to build a foundation again. Stabilise first and plan for the future with a hungry squad that will improve with the Club. That doesn’t mean we aren’t ambitious but we have no clue with the current pandemic even if we will finish a season! So now is a great time to future proof and plan to ensure Whitchurch Alport remain at this level as a bare minimum and see how we in the future can make onwards success”

Despite the uncertainty it’s the big kick off tomorrow and the gaffer finishes saying the squad will appreciate all the support they can get over the coming weeks.

“Hopefully a few can make the journey tomorrow, it’s vital we all keep safe however and I hope when we return back to Yockings we have some positive results and performances behind us to show the fantastic Red Army we will be doing our best to put smiles on faces in these difficult times for us all”

Good luck to all the players and staff!

#WeAreAlport