New Rothbury boss Danny Olson hopes to implement a brand of football at Armstrong Park that will attract both more local support and players to the 144-year-old club.
The former Newcastle United and Ipswich Town pro has his UEFA A coaching licence and has been impressed with the attitude that both the youngsters and the experienced players in the Reds’ squad have shown since they returned to training from the Covid lockdown.
“We have a long-term project in place and as far as the present goes, the current squad are looking good for the coming season,” said Olson, who is assisted by former North Shields ace Rob Marshall.
“We are certainly looking forward to the challenge both on and off the pitch, and we have already brought in 5 or 6 local teenage players to the squad. The long-term plan is to set up a centre of excellence for the youth of Rothbury and the Coquet Valley to develop to a high standard,” he continued.
Rothbury host AFC New Fordley this coming Saturday (1st August) and Cullercoats visit Armstrong Park the following weekend. The Reds then have trips to Spittal Rovers and Newcastle East End before taking on Wallington in the inaugural Mark Bruce Memorial Trophy fixture to round-off their friendly fixtures.
“I’m very pleased with the standard of opposition for pre-season and there are certainly some tests in there,” said Olson, whose side will kick-off their Northern Football Alliance Division One season on September 2nd.
“We hope to play an expansive possession-based style of play, where the players can express themselves – however, we will be wanting to win football matches,” he said.
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