Features, Ian Varley

New Season Preview with Ian Varley

Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on July 17, 2010

With the season just around the corner manager Ian Varley looks ahead to the Ladies first season in the Southern Premiership.

The fixtures were published last week and it became that bit more real for the manager and the players of just what they achieved last season.

Talking about how exciting it was to finally see the fixtures published, he said: “It really started to hit home, as a club we’ve all been waiting to see what the fixtures were going to be and it’s made everyone even more excited about the upcoming season.”

The Gills open their campaign with an absolute belter as they take on rivals Charlton Athletic away, which will represent a good test for the Gills to see just how far they have progressed in the closed season.

There was however one man who had a feeling that they would be playing the Addicks on the opening day of the season and he was right.

He added: “I always had a feeling we would get Charlton first game and it’s a brilliant game to start the season. It will be a good test as Charlton have been at this level or above for a long time now and big things are always expected of them as a Club.

“Last season they started slow but ended on a high and I am sure they’ll be looking to carry that on. We’ll be ready for them though and it’s up to me and the players to make sure we start the season well.”

Before that though the Gills kick-off their pre-season fixtures this weekend and everyone at the Club are itching to get back on the pitch and play football again.

Ian is just as excited as his players and can’t wait to get back in the dugout and shape his side for the new season.

He said: “I am looking forward to our pre-season fixtures as we have some tough games and games that will get us ready for the big kick off.

“As always pre-season is about looking at different players, getting fit but personally I feel it’s important to get some good results to instil some confidence in the team. Last season we had a great pre-season and took that form into our League campaign.

“I am looking forward to it as this is the level we deserve to be at. I am sure most teams will agree we had a Premiership team in the Combination League and that’s the reason we won that League so comfortably. Going into the Premiership won’t faze us as we always knew we’d get there and now it’s about pushing on and making sure we eventually become a force at this level.”

As well as the League fixtures being published the new format to the League Cup was unveiled and Ian was delighted with the new format.

He added: “I must say I think the League cup format is a fantastic idea and one the FA should take great credit for. It gives you more games in the competition and a realistic chance of progressing into the knockout stages.

“All teams get a minimum of three games rather than the possibility of being knocked out first game. As for our group I kind of predicted it and it will be great to test ourselves against a National Premier League team in Millwall.

I speak to their manager Aidan on a regular basis and he’s building a good team there and one that will challenge for the National division so in that respect it will be a huge test for us.”