Signings can justify favourites tag

3:46pm Friday 8th August 2008

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Some observers may be surprised that a promoted club has been installed as favourites to win the UniBond Premier Division and the prize of promotion to the Blue Square North – but insiders at Avenue are not.

The bookies have put small odds on Avenue, last season’s UniBond Division One North champions, making it back-to-back promotions.

“Favourites? With the squad we have put together over the close season I have to say we anticipated that really,” said the club’s chief executive Bob Blackburn.

“Last season we were a bit lightweight but I think you will see a difference this time around.

“For my money we got bossed a bit in a couple of games last season but from what I have seen in pre-season training and the friendlies, that will not be the case from now on.

“We have some more physically imposing players and more of a determined streak throughout the squad.

“Cammy (manager Dave Cameron) has come to the board with very good requests regarding recruitment.

“We have done our best to get all the players we wanted at the club, players who will win the battles. That is the only way you will win the war and we will be a different animal this term.”

Blackburn has worked closely with Cameron over the transfer strategy during the summer. They are both strong characters with firm ideas, which means they have kept each other’s feet on the ground.

Their mutual respect and ability to work together has allowed the pair to improve the squad in readiness for a full-on tilt at promotion. They have also stayed within budget, so if injuries or loss of form befalls any of the squad it will not be a problem.

Blackburn said: “There is still a fair bit in the war chest if Cammy wants to strengthen at any point, either before the season kicks off or well into it.

“We are looking to strengthen the midfield and get another striker in. Ryan Sugden wasn’t the answer and Mike Mossley will miss the start of the season after his hernia operation.

“Two players might join us before the season starts. We have seen them train and we hope to see them in a friendly or a full-scale training game, then have them in for talks.

“I’m looking forward to the season and so is the rest of the board. Cammy and the players can’t wait for it to start.

“I’m confident we will be strong enough to challenge for promotion. We just want to get off to a good start, a flyer, get plenty of points in the first month and then use that position of strength to our benefit.”

Meanwhile, Avenue took a strong reserve team to Liversedge reserves for their penultimate pre-season friendly and won 3-0, with 18-year-old debutant James Anderson, trialist Emmy Wade and an own goal making up the tally.