Ryhope CW midfielder targeting a top six finish in Northern League

Gary Pearson and Chris McCabe’s side were sat just below mid-table when the coronavirus epidemic brought a premature end to the 2019/20 season in March.

But a promising start to their pre-season schedule has hinted that they are capable of moving on from a season that was hampered by inconsistent performances and injury problems.

An eventful 3-3 draw with Wearside League club FC Hartlepool kicked off their preparations for the new season and that was quickly followed by convincing wins over Northern League Division Two duo Easington Colliery and Billingham Synthonia.

Their focus will now turn towards Saturday’s visit to Willington and Hotchkiss called on his team-mates to use their pre-season schedule to improve their mindset ahead of the return of competitive football.

He told The Echo: “Inconsistency killed us last year a bit and there are reasons for that.

“Our mentality has to be better and we have to treat every game the same, no matter who the opposition are.

“There is a lot of quality in the squad and the managers have improved us in areas where that was needed.

“The objective for other clubs will be to get into the top three and get promoted –that’s probably unrealistic for us given some of the budgets of clubs above us.

“But there is no reason why we can’t kick on, cause a few upsets and threaten the top six.”

There is still uncertainty over when the new Northern League season will get underway as the Football Association continue to liaise with the government over the return of grassroots football.

All pre-season friendlies are currently being played behind closed doors and players, coaching staff and officials are having to abide by strict regulations on matchday.

The delay in the return of competitive action will mean a more hectic schedule for players at all levels of the game and Hotchkiss admitted that there will be a need to take responsibility for their own fitness during the season.

“Pre-season has gone well so far, although the first game at Hartlepool was just 22 lads that hadn’t played football for four months,” he explained.

“Everyone was rusty, the fitness levels weren’t were they should be – but I think that was to be expected.

“But since then, we have been clinical, we have been ruthless, and we have looked really fit.

“Those fitness levels need to be good at our level, but that will be even more important during this season in particular.

“As players, we will have to look after our bodies, keep our fitness levels up and be well managed.

“I can’t wait for it now; I’ve been reliving my childhood a little bit and loving the fitness side of being in lockdown too.

“Now I just want to get going.”