Steelmen will be physically and mentally fit, says assistant-boss Cleveland

Cleveland Taylor has been settling into his new role as player/assistant-manager at Corby Town this summer

Taylor was appointed as player/assistant-manager by Tommy Wright this summer and has been settling into his new role during pre-season.

The experienced midfielder became a personal trainer after his professional football career ended and he is determined to ensure the new-look Steelmen squad are fully prepared for the forthcoming Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign.

Taylor was far from downhearted with the Steelmen’s display during the 3-1 home defeat to a strong Milton Keynes Dons team at Steel Park on Tuesday night.

And, as they prepare for the two-day Steel Park Cup tournament this weekend, which will see ‘XIs’ from PSV Eindhoven, Newcastle United and Leeds United join Corby for the festivities, the assistant-manager is feeling upbeat.

“I think a lot of people who did turn up (on Tuesday) will actually go away feeling quite positive,” said Taylor, who has been a key figure for the club in the past few years.

“On the back of last season, we conceded far too many goals which is something we are going to address.

“And through large periods of the game on Tuesday we looked very solid.

“We are very pleased and the lads look fit.

“They will be fit both physically and mentally this year, we have been working on it.

“We will keep pushing them, they will get recovery, they will get their shakes, they will get their ice baths and we will do everything right.”