Hereford manager Paul Caddis reveals he’s spending nights sleeping at Edgar Street while preparing his side for the 2023/24 season.
The Bulls take on local side Hereford Pegasus at The KGD Stadium on Saturday as pre-season gets underway for many of the non league sides.
His side is shaping up nicely, having already signed as many as 12 players, including the likes of Jordan Cranston, Stanley Anaebonam, Jason Cowley, Andy Williams, Mark Derricott, Curtis Pond, Adam Livingstone, Aaron Skinner, Ollie Southern, Aurio Teixeira, Lassana Mendes, with the boss wanting to bring in more defenders.
PREVIEW: No stone left unturned
From sleeping in his office to finally getting into pre-season training, it’s been a busy time for Paul Caddis as he prepares for his first game at the helm on Saturday @HerefordPegasus: https://t.co/OJWaI2xv7K#COYW | #StrengthInNumbers pic.twitter.com/5TtxN6ma1Q
— HerefordFC (@HerefordFC) June 28, 2023
“I can’t believe the games have started already, I’ve slept in the office a couple of nights and I’ve been down here a lot meeting players,” he said in a YouTube video.
“Come 3 o’clock and hearing that whistle I’ll know that it’s been well worth it. I still think we’re a good five or six bodies short which we will continue to work hard with.
“We’re working within a certain budget and there are teams we’re finding it difficult to compete with, but that’s the nature of business.
“We’re ticking off names and speaking to people. I’m fully aware we need two or three centre halves. Hopefully we’ll announce one or two in the next week or so.
“It’s going to be tough for the next couple of weeks,” added Caddis.
“I’m going to try and get the players to basically breaking point because we’re going to have that at points this season and when we do hit it we’ll be familiar with it.”
“The real work is on the pitch, that’s where I want to be,” he said. “We’ve started pre-season training and the early sessions have been good.
“We’ve made no bones about the fact that it’s going to be tough for the next few weeks. We need the players to hit breaking point because that will happen during the season and they need to get used to it.
“It’s about doing the hard graft now so that we can build that base up. We want to be able to compete with the full-time clubs; we don’t want to go into the season playing catch-up and I think already we’re getting there.
“There is a good level of fitness already there amongst the group. I’m trying to do it the way I liked it as a player. We’re mixing the running and ball work up to keep them on their toes and also adding fun elements to build up the camaraderie so we can get a tight-knit group.
“All of the hard work will be worth it when the season starts. What I can promise is that we will have a fit, hard-working and committed team with plenty of strong characters who will run non-stop.
“We know that at the moment we’re five or six bodies short and we’re working hard behind-the-scenes to get them in. We’re speaking to people and looking at players, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we can announce more additions.
“We’re looking forward to getting out there on Saturday for our first friendly. We’ll be carefully monitoring the minutes that each player gets but it will be nice to see them in a game situation for the first time.”
Having been appointed player-assistant manager earlier this month, Adam Rooney, is enjoying his new role.
“I am looking forward to taking on this role,” he said. “I want to be able to lead by example; I’ve always been a positive person and I will be encouraging the lads to help them progress.
“Of course, there will be times when they need a kick up the backside, but the best way to get the right reaction is through encouragement.
“This is a side of the game that I want to get into and do well at. I’ll hopefully finish my ‘A’ Licence in the next few months and this is a challenge that excites me.
“I’ve become more of a link player over the years, more involved in the build-up play and being able to help players positionally, which is something I enjoy, but I also like to get on the end of crosses and score goals!
“It’s already clear to see that everyone is pushing each other. There’s plenty of early spirit and we’ve got a competitive bunch, so that’s a good start.”
This is what fans are saying as the Hereford manager reveals he’s spending nights sleeping at Edgar Street while preparing his side…
Luke Forrest: Some commitment that sleeping in his office 👏
Jason Taylor: Sleeping at the club some nights, fair play to his commitment and hard work. Deserves our full support from the off.
Paul Foster: this sounds promising, very excited for the new season
@SimonNeedham49: Just love Paul’s enthusiasm. I sincerely hope we have a good season as the crowds will definitely come back. Bring it on
@elliott78073578: loving these @HerefordFC
Simon Wright: Some highly insightful thoughts from the gaffer
alboxbull: Now that is commitment how many Hereford managers have slept in the ground I wonder ? the season just keeps giving . C.O.Y.W.
Will Riley: already got me thanking him for everything he’s doing before the season have even got underway
Si Leonard: Blimey, hope he’s not waking up all achey, can’t be comfortable especially in an office
Ollie Atkins: I love him haha reckon he and Rooney will make a great partnership, let’s hope so anyway!
Ian Wainwright: Def going to try get myself to Edgar Street this season. Man has got something good cooking
Jason Lee: Getting good vibes from these signings, a sign of positive change, much needed at Hereford, just hoping they can win promotion, would be great to one day see them back in the EFL
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