Lewes launch into pre-season programme - looking hungry for success

The Rooks are to play a series of Saturday friendlies between now and the expected September 19 start of the Isthmian premier programme.

Midweek evenings will be set aside for training as manager Langton does not want to overdo the number of matches.

The friendlies begin away to Peacehaven tomorrow, followed by games at home to Staines Town (August 15), at home to Tonbridge Angels (August 22), away to Kent side Corinthian (August 29), away to Sussex rivals Haywards Heath (September 5) and away to South Park (September 12).

Langton has been casting his eye over his squad in training this week and says the players look fit and hungry to get stuck into the season.

“The players have chosen an eight-week pre-season rather than the normal six weeks, which is only right as the lay-off has been longer.

“We’ve had a few sessions before the first match – I didn’t want to jump straight into games – and we’ve had some really, really good sessions.”

Langton is looking at having a squad of 16 to 18. That includes four of last season’s under-18s who have been promoted to the first-team set-up and the boss said he’d have no qualms bringing other under-18s into the team if they showed they were good enough.

“I’ve still got two or three positions where I want to strengthen but I won’t hurry and end up getting a player who’s not right for us. I’d like another central midfielder, a centre-half and one more attacking option. I’m not going to say I’ll get all three but I have a list of targets.

“I’m happy with where we are at the moment, especially as we have such a good under-18 squad that I know I can call on.

“We have a good number of friendlies and they’ll all be competitive and will test different sides of our games.”

As things stand, all friendlies are behind closed doors.

Like all clubs, Lewes await news of when fans will be allowed back in the ground.