New boss Carl has to start from scratch

Newbury manager faces a major rebuilding task

CARL JENNER will have to start from scratch as he begins the job of rebuilding Newbury FC.

Long-standing defender Jenner has taken over as manager of the Faraday Road club and faces a massive task to try to get them back on an upward curve.

Newbury have been forced to pull out of the Hellenic League for financial reasons and will start the 2015/16 campaign in the Thames Valley Premier League.

On top of that, nearly all of last season’s squad is expected to quit the club, leaving Jenner with the bare bones to build on.
But Jenner is no stranger to adversity.

The 26-year-old suffered a broken tibia and ankle against Oxford City Nomads in August last year, but fought back in time to make his comeback in the derby clash against Thatcham on April 6.

And he is relishing the challenge of helping put Newbury back on the right track.

He said: “I have been with the club for a few years and I am really looking forward to it.

“It is going to be tough because we are starting again and a lot of players have left.

“It is frustrating. We have had a couple of good seasons and won the Hellenic Division 1, but players at this level want money now.”

Jenner will be looking to start the rebuilding process with a largely young, untried group of players.

And he has received a helping hand from Hungerford Town.

The Evostik Premier League side will be looking to give many of their youth players experience of men’s football this season – and that could be with Newbury.

Hungerford’s Academy coach Gary Clifford and Jason Braidwood of Precision Coaching will both be helping out at training, which starts next Tuesday.

Jenner said: “We definitely want to be back in the Hellenic Leagued in the next few years.

“Gary and Jason are bringing some of their players down to training so hopefully we can get a good young side and have a good season.

“We are also hoping that any other local players who want to play for us will come training.”

Jenner is under no illusions about the task his side will face in the Thames Valley League.

He said: “Sometimes you have to take a step back before you can move forward.

“We know there are some decent teams in the league, but we will be trying to get a young side together and hopefully we can challenge and then hopefully get Newbury back to where we believe we belong.”

Newbury’s reserve side will again play in Division 3 of the North Berks League.

They are on the lookout for a new manager to replace club stalwart Keith Moss, and anyone interested in taking over the position can call Keith on 07790-592154.