New boss Nineham seeks changes at New Milton Town FC
AFTER taking charge of New Milton Town FC last month, new manager Paul Nineham is looking to change the club on and off the pitch.
New Milton currently sit 15th in Sydenhams Division One and Nineham is still looking for his first league win in charge. However, the performances on the pitch have improved for the Linnets as they look to avoid relegation this season.
Nineham told the A&T that his players are adapting to a stricter regime: “My first month has seen a major shift in players attitudes and enforcement of training twice a week. All players are now aware of the high standards I expect of them on and off the pitch, and the players now realise that I select the squad on ability, potential and dedication.”
Nineham has also expressed how his plans for the club could improve the influx of new youth players and how to engage with the town: “I’ve set an ambitious program of change to attract inward sponsorship investment, players and supporters within the local community, which will benefit and energise the club for seasons to come.
“The first stage is to set up a U18 team with players from local U16 teams and links with local schools, which will enter the Hampshire Youth County Football League next season.
"I am pleased to report that the first batch of U16 players have already joined senior training and several of these players will be invited to sign on for our reserves for the remainder of the season.
"Early integration with the senior set-up is a vital part of my youth development policy.”
The New Milton boss has also called for a rebranding of the club to distance themselves from the amalgamation with AFC Lymington in 1998: “I am also pushing hard for a rebranding of the football club to highlight that we are New Milton FC to separate us from the 1998 takeover, which includes a new kit and a return to the official town’s crest for our badge.”
The Linnets will host Petersfield Town on Saturday in the league at the BBX Stadium.
For players interested in joining New Milton Town FC, contact Paul via email p9ham@btinternet.com
