Nicky Law happy with how Alfreton Town are shaping it

Action from Alfreton Town v Welling United. Alfreton manager Nicky Law.

The Reds boss has virtually had to rebuild his squad following relegation last season but feels pre-season has gone well and different challenges have been overcome.

“We have done well. We played three league teams in succession and did well and then pre-season really started for me with the games against Stocksbridge, Mickleover Sports and Coalville” said Law.

“Those were the games where we needed to show a bit of steel. What shone through is the fact that we have a good young, fit, enthusiastic squad who showed that they have the bottle for the physical side of things” said Law.

“We have obviously to be patient with them. The players are not going to gain a lot of experience overnight. It may take ten games for them to get used to the level and style but we feel the squad is capable of achieving something.

“We may need to add a little bit of experience but we think we can mould the players we have into a good squad” added Law.

Looking ahead to the season’s opener at Bradford, Law says it is going to be tough.

“We have had them watched and we have been speaking to a log of people about them. The feeling within their camp is that they can be a force this year. They have assembled a good squad, but I think so have we.

“It will be a good game, a tough game especially as we are away. We know their strengths and weaknesses and we will work on that and see what we can get out of it on Saturday” ended Law.

Meanwhile, Law is taking no notice of the fact his side have been installed as third favourites for the title by the bookmakers behind AFC Fylde and Stockport County.

“All I have said to the players is you can read what you want, see we are up there with the favourites, but don’t believe all of that.

“There are probably ten or so teams who are way, way ahead of us at the moment. We feel we have got the potential to do well. But, if we start thinking that’s us done then, we are going to get a big slap in the face.

“Many a favourite has been beaten before and we have always been at our best when we have been underdogs. I think we are possibly underdogs again and will take it as it comes” ended Law.

Alfreton’s first home game of the campaign is next Tuesday when they entertain Lowestoft Town (7.45m) and that is followed by a second game on home soil on Saturday, August 15th when Brackley Town are the visitors (3pm).