All change as Kenilworth Town return to Midland Combination

Town dropped out of the Midland Combination after the 2010-11 campaign in order to channel resources into the building of new changing-room facilities and a clubhouse.

And, with the off-the-field work almost complete, Town have rejoined the Combination with high hopes of continuing the good work on the pitch.

“We’ve had a great pre-season and the lads are working well together,” said manager Kev Kingham. “We’re looking forward to it.

“The changing rooms will be ready for Saturday and the lads that are coming in believe in what we are doing here.”

Town were challenging at the top end of Division One before their 12-month stint in the Stratford Alliance, but Kingham does not believe their pedigree makes them automatic favourites to win Division Two.

“We’ve not entered any outside cups and we’re just going to concentrate on the league and internal cups,” he said.

“It will be a big ask to go straight up as there are seven or eight new teams in addition to the teams that are established in this league.

“But hopefully we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Kenilworth, who rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 0-0 draw with Coventry Alliance side Whitnash Town on Tuesday night, have strengthened with the addition of Nathan Watts, who was the Midland Combination Premier player of the year while at Massey Ferguson and keeper Simon Heath.

Alex Shaw has remained at the club despite interest elsewehere, while Nicky Playdon and Matty Lendon have returned to Gypsy Lane.

There are also high hopes for Harry Easterlow, a former Birmingham City Academy player and younger brother of Town’s assistant manager Scott.