KING STILL AT THE HELM

TIVIDALE boss Dave King is raring to go for what he hopes will be an un-interrupted 2021-22 season in the Midland Football League.
The wily boss (pictured right) has lost non of his enthusiasm for the game and bringing young players through after over 30 years in football and is as excited at the prospect of a new season as he has ever been.
He said: "I've seen a lot of things in football and I am still seeing new things now that amaze me. It seems you never stop learning in football and I admit there have been times when I have thought of letting someone else take the reins because 31 years is a long time.
"But the big thing for me and every manager knows this is the Saturday morning - getting up with the routine to look forward to the tunes in the car, the buzz about the game, the anticipation of the kick off and how you will feel depending on the result in the evening.
"I still enjoy it and if I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't do it. 
"I was thinking about having a breather from it during the lockdowns we have been through but then I was invited to the funeral  in March of the wife of John Cotton, a long standing back room member of staff at Tividale. 
"Being invited, and what I saw there touched me, the scarves, the flags, all the committee and representatives of the club being there, it reminded me what a family Tividale is.
"Her passing is even being marked on the kits and training gear this year and that inspired me to get my backside into gear, go again and try to give something back to what is a great club."
King has strengthened his troops with some good signings ahead of the home FA Cup opener with Shifnal Town on Saturday including former charge Ben Birch, part of the West Midlands' League winning side who went on to play for Aberystwyth, Worcester and Stratford.
Also added to the squad are defender Hayden Reeves from Lye and a former member of the successful Stourbridge under 18s side, plus forward Jordan Edwards from Walsall Wood.
King said: "These are three good lads I have signed,. Ben I know all about and Hayden and Jordan have been at this level with Lye and Walsall Wood. As much as I am known for bringing young players through, you need some experience and older heads if you like and I think there is a good mix at Tividale.
"Pre-season has been ok, I am satisfied though it was a bit stop-start with a few injuries and some illness but we finished well at Worcester Raiders and I am satisfied everybody has got the minutes they need for their fitness ahead of the season."
Hear the full interview with Dave King in the podcasts section.