Cameron delighted with pre-season - so far
10:53am Friday 1st August 2008
The friendlies on home soil have been there for all to see and Bradford Park Avenue boss Dave Cameron is delighted with the form that his new-look squad has shown.
There have been some good wins, some well-taken goals and a distinct improvement in attitude by the players.
They have looked strong, hungry and fit, all of which has enthused Cameron and the club’s supporters.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic with the way things have panned out during the pre-season so far,” said Cameron.
“I know we can play football and I know the new signings are all quality players in their own right but what has pleased me more than anything is the stomach for the battle. The lads are well organised and prepared to do what it takes to win games.
“I said I wanted a team of 'beasties' but that doesn’t mean we have to be unfair. I want the players to dig deep and pull together when the chips are down.
"That is the type of quality that managers and boards cannot buy - it has to be within the soul of the lads that cross the white line.”
Avenue had certain players last season who displayed that inherent desire. One of them was skipper Steve Connors, who bossed many games from midfield. Diminutive but determined engine-room colleague Tom Baker was another.
“I think we have looked good in the pre-season games at home, and I’m sure the fans will agree with me. It would be difficult to pick out certain players because so many have come forward.
“New signings Stuart Rudd, Mark Haran and Rory Patterson have all proved they have a bit of class and so have stalwarts from last season like Connors, Baker and Darren Hockenhull.
"But I can’t just single them out because others have also gone the extra mile.”