With the first friendly taking place this weekend and the season proper just over a week away from commencing, Town's Press Secretary Gerry Pimm looks ahead:

NORTHWOOD TOWN may have been relegated in both divisions last year but rather than be demoralised they have worked on building up the club for the 2011 season.  Indeed, such has been their success in recruiting, that the club will put out a third team in the league for the first time in over twenty years.

It was clear that last years performances were not up to scratch and there will need to be a marked improvement from individuals if the first team are to progress.  Their preparation has been hampered by injury problems, with Player of the Year Glenn Hodges missing the early part of the season following a shoulder operation.  Richard Robbins has complications with a broken finger and Phil Carter is due for an achilles operation early in the season.  Nevertheless, there has been great spirit and determination at the club's oversubscribed winter nets to suggest there are players ready to step up.

The return of opening bat Scott Walker from travelling will hopefully improve the somewhat paltry run scoring from last season whilst the likes of Michael Lister and Jim Cotton will hope to increase their haul of runs.  Youngsters such as Shaun O'Neill and Jack Daly are now a year older and will be contenders for regular first team places.  There will be big expectations on skipper and opening bowler David Bushnell who picked up the players player of the year last season.

Overall Town will look to consolidate this season, but with the emergence of good youngsters and the formation of a league third eleven, there are already important elements in place in the continued success of the club.