New league means new beginning for Marlow

Following their move from Southern League Division 1 South & West across to the Midlands Division, Marlow are unsure of what to expect ahead of the big kick-off on Saturday.

During the non-league reshuffle at the end of last season, Marlow were forced to switch leagues, something which has left most people at the club angry, especially manager Kevin Stone.

“We were in the Midlands league three years ago but there’s no rhyme or reason for us to be moved back this time,” said Stone.

“There are teams further north than us in South & West who should have been moved.

“There will be no local derbies for us. That affects the gates. Our closest teams now are Chesham and Aylesbury.

“The club’s disappointed because some of our players used it as an excuse to leave us, but it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s a bit of a new beginning.”

Marlow open their campaign at home to Bedworth and Stone is not sure what to make of his first opponents or any of the teams in the Midlands Division, but one thing is for sure - he wants to win every game.

“Normally you know all the teams around you but we don’t know these teams,” admitted Stone.

“However, it seems as though the big budget clubs get promoted and the smallest spenders get relegated. With our budget we should finish midtable.

“We just want to win as many games as possible. Let’s get to 40 points as soon as possible for safety.

“Then if you get that around Christmas time you can start pushing for the play-offs. We’re hoping not to be stuck in the bottom two.”

There have been a number of changes at Marlow in the close season to both the playing and coaching staff.

Among the backroom staff, assistant manager Graham Bressington has left the club to be replaced by Steve Croxford, while in the playing department Paul Coyne, Chris Cahill (both Windsor & Eton), Craig Roberts, Adam Dickens (both Slough Town) and Jack Smiley (Newbury) have all departed.

In their place, Stone has only confirmed the signing of winger Jon Case from Windsor & Eton, leaving the squad a little light on the ground.

“We’re not as strong as last year,” said the manager. “We lost five players out of an already small squad.

“Losing Paul Coyne was tough, but what Windsor offered him we couldn’t match. They have more money than us - simple as that.”

“When you lose someone like Coyne you have to find other ways of winning as you can’t rely on that inch-perfect pass from him anymore.”