Match Preview

Ahead of the forthcoming league game on Tuesday 30th November, when The Royals travel to Belper Town, we caught up with manager, Ross Thorpe, for his thoughts ahead of the game, as well as his first few days in charge of the team:

"Firstly, I just want to thank everyone for the messages of good luck and support I have received since taking over at the club.

When I first came into the post as Interim Manager, the aim was always to support the club following Neil`s departure. I knew a few of the staff players, as well as all of the committee, however there are a lot of people I haven't worked with before so it was good to get to work with them, and I cannot fault anyone who has been here from the outset, I hope you will all agree that the performance and physical levels the players have shown in the first two games have been there for all to see."

"I can confirm that Ryan Shaw, Ryan Nesbitt and Jamie Ashmore all left the club ahead of the Shepshed Dynamo game, however I was delighted with the Under 21s that came into the squad for the Nuneaton Borough game, I thought they played with quality and a great work ethic."

When asked about any potential new signings, Ross had this to say:

"I think the squad assembled by Toothy prior to leaving was a good one, this squad doesn't need a major overhaul, I know we have lost the three lads ahead of the Shepshed game, but we have brought Desean (Martin) back who I have worked with before, and as I have already said, I thought the Under 21 lads who came in (Benni, Lamin and Angelo) have showed the quality underneath the First Team is also there".

"I am hopeful we will add one ahead of the Belper game, and its someone I am really looking forward to working with, however for me now it's about getting the balance of the squad as I want it, it has to be a blend of youth and energy, with experience, and that takes time but we are working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are giving ourselves the best opportunity moving forward."

Moving onto Belper, which starts the run of four games in three weeks, before the festive season:

"Belper are always a strong level of opponent, over the years there have been some great battles between the two sides and I expect nothing less than that tomorrow."

"They played Saturday, we never, the weather etc, all of those factor's won't be treated as excuses, they are on a fantastic run having won eight of their last ten games, that is promotion form but as I keep talking about to the players, I don't want excuses we have to approach every game knowing that physically we have to compete, every team at this level has quality individually and credit to Belper for their excellent start to the season, but we have to go and impose ourselves on the game, we absolutely respect what Belper have done so far this season but we need to go and focus on ourselves first and foremost, we won't be looking at anything past this game, nor dwelling on the positives from the previous couple of games".