Robinson Joins Managerial Ranks at Annagh
Annagh United manager, Keith Wilkinson, has put his players' pre-season progress down to a fresh approach to training. Sessions in recent weeks have included cross-country tests and runs along the River Bann in a bid to maintain enthusiasm for the vital task of preparing for another demanding campaign.
The focus has been on fitness nights at Tandragee Road and beyond to such an extent that the first friendly fixture was delayed until this week.
"The lads have been looking extremely sharp so far and seem to be responding well to our fitness programme," said Wilkinson. "We wanted to mix it up a bit this time and introduce a few different methods as well as the traditional work at the ground.
"Everything is going quite well and we decided to hold off games until we had players back from holidays and, therefore, able to benefit from the fitness work.
"We had games scheduled this week against Dunmurry Rec and Bourneview YM, plus Ballyvea will travel from Kilkeel next Tuesday to play at Tandragee Road.
"I have to say the ground is looking really good and improvements include the addition of 120 seats to the stand."
Gary Topley and Chris Jeffers may have return to Portadown following loan spells with Annagh last season but Wilkinson has managed to strengthen his panel by snapping up Chris Guiney, Martin Hughes and Greig Stewart.
"Chris has been a long-term target so it is great to finally have him around as he brings such enthusiasm and experience to the club," said the Annagh manager. "Martin arrived from Dungannon Swifts as an attacking midfielder or forward.
"Greig spent some time at Hanover and has a great track record of scoring goals in Mid-Ulster League football.
"Having Adam Nesbitt battling back towards full fitness is also a major bonus and he has put so much work in over pre-season."
Although Wilkinson's summer signings will significantly strengthen the playing panel, he feels the arrival of Noel Robinson as reserve-team manager is another vital addition to the club roster.
"Noel brought a lot to the club as a player before his injury and we are delighted with his decision to take charge of the reserves during the recovery period," said Wilkinson. "Noel can bring a wealth of Irish League experience to the table and is respected across the game.
"He is working hard to attract fresh faces to the club and everyone is looking forward to kicking off another season."
Everyone at Annagh United Football Club would like to wish Noel all the best for the forthcoming season and good luck for life in the Mid Ulster League Division 2.
Report courtesy of the Portadown Times (http://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/sport/Fitness-first-for-Annagh.5509754.jp)
Article Added: Mon 3rd Aug 2009 (23:42:11)
