Shannocks commited to success

"We are confident we can give it a good shout," was the upbeat message from Kristian Gleave, chairman of defending champions Sheringham, ahead of the August 18 start to the season.

This despite having to replace several players who moved on after helping win the Sterry Cup.

On the club website, manager John Kowalyk explains that after the most successful season in the club's history, six players have left for Wroxham, meaning the first team had to be re-built.

"The club towards the end of last season made it known that there was to be no expenses paid this season, so players signed this season are totally committed to the club and its ambitions of gaining and being part of Ridgeons football at Weybourne Road. A change in ethos has included all funds being channeled for ground improvements to Ridgeons standards."

He said on the signings front the biggest and most satisfying signing was Karl Dickerson as assistant manager. Oher signings include midfield pair Trevor Daniels and Adam Seal (Dersingham), Danny Tanti (Thetford Town), winger,Jonny Large (Thetford Town), defender, Matt Jordan (Holt), keeper Mark Camidge (Diss Town) and winger Tom Parker (Cromer Town), several of them ex-Shannocks

Lucy Whitwood who has worked with Arsenal FC and Charlton Athletic, is club physio.

With new players, those who have remained and a quality reserve squad, Kowalyk thinks he may just have a stronger squad than he has ever assembled at the club. Whether the players will settle down quick enough for a solid start remains to be seen.

Gleave said: "The important thing in our league is to have someone up top who can get 25 to 30 goals a season. Ollie King got 28 goals for us last season. We have got a slightly stronger squad than we had last season, but the big thing to replace is Ollie King."

Sheringham play Blofield for the Don Frost Cup at Wroxham on Friday night.