New boss wants Foxes to improve

Rebuilding has been the watchword at Ilford as they prepare to host Waltham Forest in the Essex Senior league on Saturday.

And the maintenance work has not just been focused on the pitch as manager Allan Fenn has overhauled the playing staff, as well as help restructure off-the-field activities.

Pre-season result were mixed, but with those games now behind them Fenn is confident his side can compete at the right end of the table this season.

“It’s been a tough pre-season because we’ve been trying to build the club, off and on the pitch,” said Fenn.

“It’s just trying to build the infrastructure of the club really because the chairman had no support and I’ve gone in and sorted out the social media side of things, got new kits and tracksuits, backroom staff and a physio.

“Now we’ve got to just try and build a team that’s competitive and consistent and we’re finally starting to show that at the right time.

“We’ve completely rebuilt the side and we’ve had some different results to say the least,” he said.

“We gave a good account of ourselves against Barkingside (in a 2-1 defeat) the other week. We also drew 1-1 at Tilbury and looked quite strong.”

The Foxes finished last season in 16th place, but with the arrival of fresh faces Fenn is adamant Ilford will be more competitive.

“In the last week, we’ve got six new players in with Ryman League experience and they’ve settled into the squad really well,” said Fenn.

“I got on the phone to some other non-league managers and they sent me some players over and they’ve done really well.

“I’m particularly pleased with Charlie Hurlock in central midfield who was at Cheshunt last year.

“We’ve got quality throughout the side. By all accounts we’re going to be one of the strongest sides, but whether we can be that I don’t know.

“If we’re not going to be up there or thereabouts then what are we doing here?”