West Midlands Police v Massey Ferguson in the ICIS Midland Combination

A warm welcome to the players, committee and supporters of MasseyFerguson for this season's opening fixture at Tally Ho! We hope that you enjoy our hospitality and see an exciting game of football to whet the appetite for the remainder of the year.

Following our relegation from the Midland Alliance, last season was expected to be one of consolidation as we sought to integrate new players at the club. A seventh place finish in the league plus a first appearance for seven years in the final of the British Police Cup was evidence that we were making tentative steps in the right direction. Obviously there was great disappointment at our loss to Fife Police in the final of that trophy in late May. Whilst we clearly under performed on the day, there is no doubt that the three-week gap between the end of the season and the final did not help our cause.

We did however pick up one award as David Coulson's excellent programme collected the Midland Combination Premier Division Programme of the Year Award and today's effort will no doubt reflect those same high standards.

Last season's club awards winners were presented with their trophies at our 'end of season do' in May, and a good time was had by all.

They were:-

• Managers Player of the year - Darren Carmell
• Players' Player of the Year - Darren Carmell
• Clubman of the Year - Lee Wharmby

The summer has seen more movement in and out of the club than I can ever remember before. Whilst it has been disappointing to lose Neil Tiller and Dave Harnett and the future is uncertain regarding Paul Shaw, there has been a welcome influx of new players as well as the return of old faces to the set up.

We also have the significant bonus of Mark Fogarty returning to the club in a coaching role. Mark's skills as a UEFA 'A' licensed coach are unquestionable and he will also have a substantial input in team affairs. He also has a lively personality that will bring a breath of fresh air to the dressing room.

A major coup for the club has been the arrival of Paul Webb from Kidderminster Harriers. He had a wonderful pedigree in the non-league game before turning professional with the club two years ago on their promotion from the Nationwide Conference. He has just joined the force and his signature is a massive boost for the club. The last month has also seen the arrival of new recruits Richard Knott (Halesowen Harriers), Alex Holden (Bloxwich Town) and Kieron McDade (Nuneaton Griff).

Both Lyndon Price and Ollie Latchford have returned to the club and their undoubted quality should make a substantial difference this season. Also back in the fold is the experienced Neill Hornby and Ian Millward is expected to make his presence felt this year having missed all of last season with a cruciate injury. The return of striker Mark Bellingham is eagerly awaited but we may have to wait for another two or three months before he has recovered sufficiently to pull on a jersey. Kevin Usher has also made a strong argument for a first team slot with his pre-season form. Read all about the new faces in the pen-pictures and I will update you more fully in Tuesday night's programme for the Alvechurch game.

Fresh blood is joining the police all the time and I have no doubt that we will get some significant additions to the squad during the forthcoming season. I am already aware of two lads who are likely to join us in the next few weeks. They are centre-back Paul Probert, formerly of Cradley Town and Lye Town and right/centre back Kevin Aston, formerly of Hinckley Town.

The strength of the squad is already being tested in this opening fixture. Darren Wilkinson, Neill Hornby, Jamie Evans and Paul Shaw are all on holiday whilst Andy Reece (neck) and Mark Langley (thigh) are missing due to injuries. However, the increased strength of the squad is clearly noticeable when you look at the quality of the team that we are able to put out despite all the absences.

Enjoy the game and here's hoping for a good start to the season.