Talk of the Town

ROB Dray has been talking the talk in the build-up to his first game in charge of Tiverton Town this weekend.

The Yellows’ new manager has focused on words ahead of actions as he and his squad have been getting to know each other ahead of Saturday’s Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South match at Hungerford Town.

Thursday’s initial training session at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium was low intensity, followed by a look at what Tivvy will be up against at the end of a hectic week

“We got them on the grass – it was pretty light and a lot of talking,” said Rob. “Then we did a presentation in the clubhouse afterwards, a bit of prep for Saturday as well, for Hungerford. They're in the bottom half alongside us, so we need to try and get something.”

Rob’s familiarity with the league and the division is already working to Tivvy’s benefit.

“I speak to a lot of managers and so I find out what I need to know,” he said. “I’ve got some good friends at Yate, who played [Hungerford] last Saturday. I spoke to the Yate lads, who actually played for me last year, so I know what we need to be doing up there.”

The fixture list has dictated that Rob’s home bow will come in a low-key Devon Bowl encounter against Ilfracombe on Tuesday, November 5 – to which entrance is free and which will be preceded by meet-the-manager Fans’ Forum from 6.30pm – following this Saturday’s trip to Hungerford.

Rob said: “Some would say an away game first is easier; some would say it's harder. I just we just want to get a team out and see where we are, see the players’ reaction.

“We want to get them running forward hard and get them running backwards hard, as well.

There’s enough quality there – we just need to add in certain areas.

“We’ll get things sorted and get some smiles on faces.”