Kirkpatrick warns of troubles ahead (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Kirkpatrick warns of troubles ahead

NEIL Kirkpatrick says his Trowbridge Town side are not going to have it all their own way this season in their bid for promotion to the Hellenic League top flight.

With his side being hotly tipped to walk away with the First Division championship ahead of tomorrow's season opener at Letcombe, the Bees' boss has insisted this season will be their hardest yet.

In their first season in the Hellenic League last season, Trowbridge finished in runners up spot but were unable to accept promotion due to their Woodmarsh home not being up to the standard.

But with a new site located just opposite and plans in place, promotion should be allowed if they finish in the top two again. But Kirkpatrick has warned it won't be the cakewalk everyone is expecting.

He said: "For some reason everyone seems to think we are going to run away with this league but I don't see it being like that at all.

"I actually think it will be harder to finish in the top two than it was last year and there will certainly be no complacency in our squad. We have got a very hard season ahead.

"Our aim is promotion and we will be disappointed if we don't get it, but there are some good teams in the league this season and we are going to have a fight on our hands,"

Tuesday night's 5-1 defeat to Shortwood completed Town's pre-season campaign, one which Kirkpatrick admits has been quite "messy".

He said: "Pre-season has been disjointed because of the unavailbality of players and we have only been able to field our first choice XI once, against Chippenham Town.

"That has made it difficult for us to gel as a team which will make the start to the season even more difficult for us."

Trowbridge start the new season without last season's captain Ricky Trott, who has moved to Bradford Town, and left winger Gavin Eyre who has moved to Melksham Town.

"People have to remember we have lost two very good players," said Kirkpatrick. "It is not just a case of going out and replacing them because we need to get them integrated into the team.

"From what I have heard Letcombe will be a very strong side and we have been given a very difficult first four or five games of the season."

A supporters' coach will be leaving the Mash Tun at noon and anyone wanting a place can contact Roy While on 01225 704063. A seat will cost £6.

Trowbridge then entertain Clanfield in their first home game of the season on Tuesday night, kick off 6.30pm.