Football: Ruthin Town FC look bright ahead of season

Aug 13 2008 By Dave Jones

RUTHIN TOWN 3 CAERSWS 1

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

GOING into the new season on the back of two superb victories over Welsh Premier League opposition, Ruthin manager Adie Jones has every right to feel optimistic about the next nine months ahead.

When Jones took over at the Vale of Clwyd club in February they were languishing near the bottom of the Cymru Alliance, but a series of fine results under the ex-Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Caernarfon Town and Llangefni boss made sure Ruthin ended the campaign pushing towards mid-table respectability.

Now, with a few additions to the squad, Town could be set to take the CAL by storm this term, certainly judging by their wins over Caersws on Saturday and Welshpool last Wednesday (3-0).

"We’re not getting too carried away – it’s only pre-season," said Jones. "Friendlies are more a fitness thing, bedding in new players, but certainly I’m pleased with the last two results.

"We’ve won four, lost three and drawn two of our pre-season matches which isn’t bad form."

Members of the Cymru Alliance since 1992/93, Ruthin have more often than not struggled at this level, but in 2003/04 they finished a highest ever third.

Jones has a realistic outlook in assessing his ambitions for the 2008/09 campaign.

"We’re not expecting to go from a team struggling against relegation in February to one challenging near the top, it’s got to be a process of slow build," he said.

"But if we finish in the top eight I’d be very happy with that. If we keep up the form of the last two games, however, I think we can compete with the top four or five. If by Christmas we are not too far off the top four, and we can entice a few better players, then who knows, but we’ve all got our feet on the ground here."

Saturday’s victory over Caersws saw Simon Hulse grab a double and Gary Ellison one, while the roles were reversed against Welshpool with Ellison bagging a brace and Hulse a single.

Ruthin could hardly have envisaged a tougher start to the campaign as this Saturday they visit a Llandudno side which has strengthened considerably over the summer.

"I expect them (Llandudno) to be challenging for the title along with Bala and Holyhead, so it’s a tough start," said Jones.

"We’ve then got Guilsfield on the Wednesday and the derby against Llandyrnog on the Friday so that’s three games in six days – we’ll need to hit the ground running."

Jones expects to field close to a full-strength side at Maesdu Park with a couple of injury concerns in the squad earlier this week.

The manager also said there will be a strong emphasis on youth this season and he will keep a keen eye on the Reserves and Colts teams.