Summer of TV football boosts Lardner's hunger (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Summer of TV football boosts Lardner's hunger

10:19am Thursday 10th July 2008 in Football By Nick Mashiter

Football: Robbie Lardner has had his appetite whetted over the summer and is craving his football fix for Calne Town's pre-season.

The Lilywhites, who host Wellington in the season opener, returned for pre-season training last week and the boss, along with assistant Simon Hillier, wants to erase the memories of last season's 14th placed finish.

He said: "We had a frustrating and disappointing season last time but after a few weeks off and some footy to watch on TV you soon get the appetite back."

Over 40 players from the first, reserves and newly formed U18 side trained for the first time last week and Lardner is pleased the youth players are coming to the fore. He said: "It is something we have been talking about for a while now and we wanted to establish it."

Former Corsham Town midfielder Ben Fitch has arrived from Hungerford and Lardner is hoping for up to four new players.

Captain Steve Casey is training with Chippenham Town with a view to a permanent move to Hardenhuish Park and Lardner doesn't expect him back at Bremhill View.

"He will be very difficult to replace, but it happens at our standard," he said.

"Steve wants to play at a higher level and Adie thinks he is a decent player. He needs to take his chance."