New-look Kettering Town squad are ready for kick-off

Kettering Town manager Paul Cox. Pictures by Peter Short

Paul Cox insists his new-look Kettering Town squad are ready to start the new season.

It’s set to be the most unusual of campaigns for the Poppies and all the other teams in the National League structure with matches set to be behind closed doors for the time being due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is understood that a rescue package has been agreed with the government to ensure clubs can fulfil their fixtures without the usual income that gate receipts provide.

Goalkeeper Adam Collin was one of the signings the Poppies made over the summer

The first example of a competitive Poppies match being played without fans present will be at Latimer Park on Saturday when they take on National League South side Chelmsford City in the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The National League North campaign is then set to get under way at Gloucester City next Tuesday night.

And while the fans can’t be in attendance, Cox believes his players are ready.

A lengthy but fruitful pre-season has seen a new-look squad put together with a number of new arrivals including the likes of goalkeeper Adam Collin, defender Ryan Fryatt and attacking players Dan Holman, Decarrey Sheriff, Sam Jones and Josh Oyinsan.

“It’s been an unusual situation but we have tried to keep the players buoyed and tried to keep them positive,” Cox said.

“And, to be fair to the lads, they have been giving everything in pre-season.

“I think footballers just want the season to start now so they can get some competitive games under their belts, that’s how I see it.”

Cox, meanwhile, confirmed club legend Brett Solkhon has been featuring for Southern League Premier Central side St Ives Town to get his “minutes count up”.

Solkhon played for the Ives in their 4-2 defeat at Tamworth last weekend and the 2-2 draw at Kings Langley on Tuesday night.

“Brett has just been getting some minutes under his belt,” Cox added.

“He started pre-season a little bit later due to holidays and a little bit of injury.

“So he has been getting his minutes count up to get himself into the best physical condition.”