Up a level in the non-league pyramid and into a new league – surely, Binfield have never been in a better place in their long history.
The Moles ended their last chapter with a dream trip to Wembley for a FA Vase final appearance and the next chapter is about to kick off in The Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division. No wonder, Hill Farm Lane is buzzing.
“We just can’t wait to get started,” said joint managers Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers. “Pre-season went well with players improving their fitness and sharpness, and we feel we are in a good position right now. We could not be more pleased with our lads and what they have been achieving in the last few weeks. We are going on the right path.”
What has particularly pleased them is how quickly their new signings have slotted in alongside last season’s regulars, although that hasn’t come as a surprise to them.
McClurg explained: “It is easy to fit in as we have an amazing group of players. When you have a skipper like Sean Moore, it only takes seconds to feel at home. There are so many great personalities here and each one of the new boys is adding something. This is why Callum (Bunting) has hit the ground running.”
New signing Bunting scored twice in the 3-1 win over Ascot United at The Racecourse Ground in their recent friendly.”
“Sean is excellent at bringing other players into the game like Josh Helmore, Josh Howell and Ollie Harris, he links them all together and now Callum is also benefitting. He created the first goal for Callum at Ascot. Sean leads by example, works his socks off and scores goals,” added Jamie.
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The managers are confident Bunting will add even more goal power to the team.
Withers commented: “He is a typical No. 9 – big, strong and an aerial threat. He just wants to score goals and if you put balls into the right area for him, then he will score. We saw his tenacity and work rate off the ball in the Ascot game.
“He will be a real threat to opposing defences and will strengthen us this season going into a league where in certain games we will need that aerial presence.”
Other new faces at Hill Farm Lane include Billy Montague from Windsor, Liam Tack, ex-Flackwell Heath and Thame United, and Kian Duncan who captained Burnham last season. The central midfielder was selected to play for Anguilla in the Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
And defender Joe Gater has become the latest former Bracknell Town player to join the Moles.
Three other ex-Robins – George Short, Dave Hancock and Elliott Legg – have all been receiving treatment for injuries, but are expected back shortly, while Asa Povey continues to make a good recovery from his lung problem.
McClurg added: “While these are not playing, it gives the chance for others to do their best to take advantage by doing their best to prove they are worth a place in the team.
“It means there is going to be plenty of competition in the squad, which is a good thing and there is a great spirit among the lads.
“It is enjoyable to be around this group and Carl and myself love them to bits. We can’t wait to get started in our new league.”
Their opening fixture is at home to Basingstoke Town this Saturday.
