Features, Ian Varley
Varley’s Views ahead of Barnet
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on July 30, 2011
Gills Ladies head into friendly number six of pre-season this Sunday afternoon against National Premiership and current League Cup holders Barnet Ladies.
They go into the game on the back of four straight victories to date, the latest coming on Wednesday against East Thurrock Ladies.
Speaking ahead of their first match at Chatham Town manager Ian Varley, said: “Baring the Arsenal game it is the first real test against higher teams in a higher division.
“Again it is going to be difficult because we have so many players missing. I am sure Barnet are the same as Colchester turned him over last week. It is always the same pre-season and these are the things that happen.
“It will be a good test and it will be nice to play on our home pitch, because we need to get used to it and see how we fair when we get there. It is all about building up until the 21st of August.”
The Barnet game is free entry for the fans and Ian can’t wait to get his players used to their new surroundings.
He added: “It is a huge pitch and it will be good for us to get on there and see how we do. It is a nice and flat pitch and it is our home ground at the end of the day. That is what we are looking to do and put on a good performance.”
It is the Ladies first home game and they will be looking to kick off with a win.
Something Ian is looking for, he said: “We have got to make our home ground difficult to play at for away teams. That is what we need to start to do on Sunday, we have a few games there until the end of pre-season but it is still early days.”
Ian also revealed that he is still looking to strengthen the squad ahead of the coming season.
He added: “I am still looking to bring in a couple more players, and I would like to get a few more in but you never know until the end of pre-season.
“It is hard to judge at the minute as you have last year’s player of the year Dan Carlton, Lauren Williams and Laura Jeffery in the states. They don’t come back until the season has started.
“You have Deanna who can’t play any Sundays because of cricket and she is one of our best midfielders. You have Sian who is injured as is Potter, Muggers as well and they won’t be playing for two or three more weeks.
“It is difficult to gauge how strong the squad is and once everyone including Katie is back we will have a better picture. I think we need a bigger squad this year for things like this really.”
