Gradual process as Skem look to strengthen squad
SKELMERSDALE United are yet to play a game in 2017 after their match against Ashton United was called off on Monday.
Tommy Lawson’s side have not played since Boxing Day when they picked up an encouraging 3-3 draw against Marine.
The manager admitted having games cancelled was frustrating and he believes Skelmersdale could have played the fixture on Saturday.
“It’s frustrating at the moment. It happens though because it’s that time of the year. There’s uncertainty,” said Lawson.
“We did a really good training session on Saturday instead. The pitch was deemed unplayable. I thought we could have played but the referee chose not to.
“We managed to hold a full hour and 45 minute session though but these things happen and you just have to get on with it.”
Skem hope to return to action on Saturday against Frickley Athletic and Lawson admitted the club are still undergoing a number of changes.
Since reverting to amateur status, Lawson has been forced to say goodbye to a number of his first team squad but he has brought in several new additions over the festive period
“It will be a big one on Saturday. It’s a massive game and I’m looking forward to it,” said Lawson.
“We’ve signed a few players in the last couple of weeks. We have brought a player in from Accrington Stanley and one from Bolton Wanderers.
“Jack Watts, who was a newcomer, has already scored a hat-trick and Dean Shatlock has come through too.
“Cameron Lennon is a defender we’ve brought in from Ashton Athletic and we’ve also got the two Nicholson twins from Prescot Cables. They’re local lads so really eager to play and both just 19 years old.
“We’ve padded the squad out and there’s an air of excitement about the lads coming through. We’re not finished yet though and we’ll be hoping to make another new signing before Saturday.”
With all the new changes, Lawson admitted training sessions are still a learning curve and he has still not chosen his starting XI for Saturday’s fixture.
The club hope to build a squad before improving the quality of the side and Lawson said they are well on their way to achieving stage one.
“We had to get the numbers in and we’ve started to do that so we’ve achieved the first stage almost,” said Lawson.
“We’ve lost a few players this week too though so that’s a loss for us. Three players have moved on but it’s giving opportunities to the other lads.
“We’re training on Wednesday and I will have a look at a few players. It is all change but the situation has dictated that.
“We’re still learning about the lads and they’re still learning about us. The challenge ahead is still massive but in the Marine game there were some good signs.
“We’ve got to try and increase the quality if we can.
“Hopefully it will settle down soon though.”
Lawson also had some kind words to say about Skem’s captain Kenny Strickland who, despite several of his teammates leaving, has opted to remain at the club and has been a huge help.
The manager admitted Strickland’s absence will be a huge loss on Saturday as he will serve his one-match suspension ban which has been delayed due to recent postponements.
“Kenny Strickland is suspended. Games have been called off recently so it would have been over if that hadn’t have happened so that’s frustrating,” said Lawson.
“He’s my captain and he has shown me terrific loyalty.
“He’s frustrated at being out of action and he just wants to get back to playing.
“He’s totally and utterly committed so I want him back in the frame straight away. He has made himself available for anything. He’s such a fantastic player to have around.
“Michael Grogan is still out injured with his ankle but he has been away for a while.
“He might not be able to train yet this week but we will see,” Lawson added.