Baguley Athletic FC Q&A:
Preseason in Review with the Managers
 

04th August 2025

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With Kyle and Lee Hendley​​​​​

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Sum up pre-season in three words.

Busy. Frustrating. Enjoyable.

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Did the team hit the targets you set for fitness, structure, and preparation?

Having Sam with us from the very start, and with Dan’s commitment being excellent, we’ve been able to focus more on off-field work. The preparation and sessions have been well balanced a good mix of fitness, fun, and ball work.

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Which pre-season match gave you the clearest picture of where we’re at?

Availability’s been up and down, but we started to turn a corner in the final two games against De La Salle and Springhead. We looked much more like a team, some really encouraging signs.

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Who’s been the biggest standout in training or on the pitch? Any surprise names?

There have been a few, but Jack Rayner and Patrick Ndovi have stood out throughout. Both have been excellent.

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How are the new lads settling in with the squad and the style of play?

This is probably our third rebuild since last pre-season. We’ve lost some key players for various reasons, moving abroad, stepping up levels, personal circumstances, but we’ve brought in some top lads. Judging by the team day out on Saturday, they’ve settled in really well.

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What impact have the signings made so far, on and off the pitch?

On the pitch, it looks like we’ve found a proper goalscorer in Jimmy. We’ve added more experience too, last year’s group was very young. Off the pitch, the new lads have added some great personalities to the dressing room.

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How close are we to where we want to be heading into the first game?

We’ve got a few selection headaches, which i suppose is a positive, and some admin issues to tidy up that might affect this weeks selection. But overall, we’re in a good place and we’ll be ready.

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One area you’re really pleased with,  and one that still needs work?

I’m really pleased with the squad depth, we’ve got strong options. A few lads still need minutes to get fully match sharp, but we’re nearly there.

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How different does this squad feel compared to last season’s group?

Last season, we sometimes struggled to bounce back from setbacks. This group feels like it’s got more belief and a stronger footballing mindset.

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What’s the mindset like in the dressing room right now? Confident? Hungry?

Everyone’s just excited to get started. The new home ground has given us a real buzz, now we need to make it a fortress.

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What are your expectations for the season, and how high can we aim?

We’re taking it one game at a time. There are some strong sides in the league, and we’ve lost a big chunk of last year’s core. But if we bring our best every week, we’ll give ourselves a chance to compete.

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Finally, what can fans expect from Bagley Athletic this season?

Much like last season, hard work, a solid structure, and a team trying to play good football. We’re excited to get going.

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