Featherstone on a productive season...
AS ONE of a number of players already signed up for the new season, Nicky Featherstone, is in no doubt that The Saddlers can be a top six side next term.The 24 year-old joined the club from Hereford United last summer and went on to appear 36 times in all competitions in what was one of the most productive campaigns of his professional career.
“With the quality we have here, there is no doubt in my mind that we can get into that top six,” he said. “There has been nothing for us to fear at this level; too many draws ended up costing us our place in the play-offs.
“But we’ve got a great set of lads and a team spirit that is as good as anything I have ever experienced.
“It’s good that the nucleus of the side is already signed up for next season and hopefully more will follow in the days and weeks ahead.
“That character and togetherness was important when we had a difficult spell in the Autumn, but other than that, we have showed what we can do as a team.
“Everyone is a similar age and has the same hunger to play football and do well. These qualities will stand us in good stead for the new season ahead.
“There are some potentially mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to, so these are exciting times.”
Before thoughts turn to 2013/14, Featherstone admits that he is looking forward to a break. “It will be nice to have a few weeks to relax and recharge my batteries,” he went on. “It’s been a long, hard season and everyone is ready for a break at this time.
“I’m looking to get away on holiday at some point, but I’ll be keeping myself ticking over so that I return to pre-season as fit as possible and ready to hit the ground running.”