Robins ready for kick-off

Newtown manager Chris Hughes says there is a good buzz about the club ahead of the Welsh Premier League opener at Cardiff Met.

The Robins have been putting in the final preparations this week ahead of the long trip down to the capital on Friday evening according to the club’s website..

It has been a good pre-season for Hughes’ men, who have lost just once and finished with an impressive 1-0 victory over Hednesford Town last week.

Hughes has been pleased by the attitude of his squad in pre-season, and said they are fit and ready to go.

“We’re ready, it has been a good pre-season and I have been pleased with the players application and spirit,” said Hughes.

“They have done all we have asked of them and have gone above and beyond.

“We’re in a good place, the fitness levels are really high and we have had some challenging games. We’ll be putting the final touches together this week ahead of the trip to Cardiff on Friday.”

Hughes has added a mixture of youth and experience to this season squad through the new signings. Callum Roberts turned his loan move into a permanent one, and he was joined through the door by Steve Leslie, Sam Phillips, Ben Bailey and Jake Cook.

He is pleased with the new faces he has brought in, and thanked chairman Howard Ellis and the board for their backing in the transfer market.

He added: “In many ways you live and die by your recruitment in football.

“We’re happy with what we have done in the transfer market. Last year was difficult with losing three key players, and three or four experienced players from around the squad.

“This year we have lost just one and brought four or five in. Full credit must go to the chairman and the board for backing me to bring the new targets in. They’ve been fantastic, and there is a lot going for this club at the minute.

“All together there is a good buzz on the pitch and around the club.

“The new lads have slotted in well, we’re sharp, and the performances in pre-season have been good.

“But that counts for nothing come Friday, we need to be at our best to get something from it.”