IGNATIANS BEGIN THE PRE-SEASON WITH A BANG
Impressive numbers were very much in evidence as 41 players attended Enfield Ignatians’ first pre-session training under the guidance of new head coach Shane Manning (June 26).

Five colts showed impressive commitment to the cause as the club welcomed six new recruits to the fold.

The immediate priority of New Zealander Shane Manning is to improve the fitness levels of his squad, as they bid to move up the league by improving on last year’s tenth place in London Two North-West.

To this end, the squad will be training twice weekly and a second training session was also held on Thursday (June 28). Sessions start at 7.30pm.

Shane Manning has wasted no time in mapping out the path to the new season, and the stepping stones include a filmed club trial game on August 16 and a training camp on August 18.

This is the conduit to the first of two pre-season fixtures with the first being an away fixture at Braintree on August 24, before Norwich visit Donkey Lane on September 1.

Ignatians then begin their league season with a home fixture against newly promoted Grasshoppers on September 8.

Not that the new coaching team is just a one man band as former first team fullback, Jack Wilson, is the new assistant coach.

The club which runs three senior teams and, an occasional vets’ side, caters for players of all abilities and potential new recruits to the senior section are invited to phone 07432 118352 in the first instance.

Those aspiring to play in the youth section or the minis should call 07432 118351.