Boss pleased with season preparations

Player-manager Michael Shinn has been pleased with how Newmarket Town’s pre-season has gone so far.

Every single one of the Jockeys’ friendlies have been played against higher-league opposition, which includes an impressive 2-1 win at the expense of Cambridge City.

“We are building a good squad understanding,” said Shinn.

“We set up pre-season to be difficult physically, but we have had some really good spells in possession against top teams.

“At times we have been light on numbers because of holidays and injuries, and were up against sides who are playing with two different 11s.

“But we have really stuck together when it has got tough and that has been really pleasing – the signs are good.”

In terms of new signings, Shinn has gone back to his former club West Wratting to recruit Blake Kicks and Simon Newnes.

And midfielder Steven Cahill, from Newmarket, will spend the next six months with Newmarket before heading to America. He was part of Ipswich Town’s youth set-up last season.

Shinn is also keen to keep hold of Stephen Spriggs and Scott Paterson, with both yet to commit to the club for 2018/19.