“IT’S performance outcomes, not result outcomes we are focused on for Saturday.”
Those were the words of Elliot Powell, manager of Jersey Bulls, ahead of Saturday’s three o’clock kick-off against Stevenage FC at Springfield Stadium.
As the start to the new competitive season draws ever closer, the Bulls are fully intent on a strong finish to their pre-season fixtures.
Powell has been quoted many times discussing the importance of good preparation and it’s importance for his plans in being able to deliver the desired results in their upcoming season in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.
With this in mind, Jersey Bulls chief executive Ian Horswell and the board have organised a return fixture against the professional League One side, continuing Powell’s keen intent to test his players early in his new regime.
Despite not achieving the results they wanted last weekend in the friendly Bulls Cup competition, Powell was pleased with the performance of his men, citing their “work off the ball” as especially pleasing.
“We created so many chances,” said Powell.
“It’s a bit disappointing we didn’t take as many chances as we would have liked, but the positive intent and attacking mindset was there to see.
“Match sharpness is always going to be slightly less in pre-season, we understand that.
“Where those chances may be missed at this stage, we know with the return of our full-strength team and the enhanced mindset as the season commences we’ll be in the right place.”
With the return of star hit-man Lorne Bickley and attacking midfielder Jonny Le Quesne to the pitch this weekend, Powell is hoping to see some improved finishing touches from his men.
“Having players like Lorne [Bickley] and Jonny [Le Quesne] back is always going to benefit us.
“As well as Luke Campbell coming back this week, the level of communication from all areas of the pitch will improve, which is key.”
However, unavailability is always a factor in pre-season training and, even with some first-team names back, three stars of last weekend’s cup, James Carr, Toby Ritzema and the exciting Rai Dos Santos, are unavailable for tomorrow’s game.
Despite this, Powell remains confident in his team, stating: “The starting eleven for us is still really strong.
“There’ll be some opportunities off the bench for some of the younger lads who’ve done really well for their clubs.
“Hopefully we can continue our hard work through this pre-season block, show our amazing supporters what we have been working on and give a good account of ourselves.”
The fresh young manager is under no illusions of how much of a test this fixture will be though.
“They [Stevenage FC] had a really good season last year, and, with some new management this year, I’m sure they are looking to finish towards the top end of League One again.
“But I’m sure an underdog story would obviously go down very well.”
Stevenage competes in the English Football League One, which is situated on the third level of the EFL system, several levels higher than the Jersey Bulls.
Excitingly for those in attendance tomorrow, the visiting side might well be bringing with them a squad graced with international experience.
Defender Luther James-Wildin has international caps for Antigua and Barbuda, as well as fellow defender Terence Vancooten, who represents Guyana’s national side, the Golden Jaguars.
Louis Thompson, a solid defensive midfielder, also has experience playing with the Wales Under 21 squad.
Powell concluded: “It’s a good opportunity for us, players and coaches alike, to be able to test ourselves against a professional side.
“There’s a number of things I’ve asked the lads to focus on. How successful we are in doing those is more what I’m interested in, not what the scoreline is at the end.”
Jersey Bulls against Stevenage is scheduled for a 3pm kick off at Springfield tomorrow.
