Basingstoke Town: Dan Brownlie discusses new season

Basingstoke Town's treble-winning manager shared his thoughts with the Gazette ahead of the upcoming season in the Southern League Premier South.

"The step up is going to be a tough test so we will have to be really well prepared,  we will need to be about 20 per cent fitter than we were last year, that's a big standard in terms of the step up.

"I think quality-wise, we've got it, we finished last season as champions and if we were to run that team we had going into this season, I think we'd compete - not necessarily at the top - but we certainly wouldn't get beaten every week."

In terms of the club's pre-season affairs, Dan is feeling positive.

"We've had some brilliant results in pre-season, we've beaten Chippenham who are a level above what we are now, so there are good signs, but when the league starts, that will be the real test."

Dan was keen to highlight 'Stoke's recruitment this year.

"There are limited new faces, and that's deliberate because I don't want to upset the rhythm of what we've got.

"We've signed some really good players, the likes of Danny Rowe and Kai Hobbs, and hopefully a couple more to be announced."'Stoke players warm up at Winklebury (Image: Matt Rooks-Taylor)

The gaffer went on to explain how the transfers came about, and what fans can expect to see next season.

"Dan Rowe is someone I've been tracking for what seems like forever now, he came into a pre-season session about four years ago and we've kept in contact ever since.

"I like the way he plays, and he likes the way I manage so it was kind of a match made in heaven, despite being relatively young he has a wealth of experience at this level, so he is well-equipped to do what we want to do.

"Kai's trajectory has been incredible. He was playing step six, two or three years ago, and is now playing step three and really challenging for a starting position. We're really excited about him - he's tenacious, good on the ball and incredibly good in the air for someone with slight stature.

READ MORE: From Basingstoke to Brighton - 'Stoke star signs for Premier League club

Before the season kicks off on Saturday, August 5, 'Stoke could have a new face in camp.

"We're looking at a striker at the moment, and the early signs are very promising with him. We weren't actively going out looking for a new striker, but we'd be idiots to turn down the lad that has come in on trial."

Brownlie further discussed the transfer strategy this season.

"You can go two ways when it comes to transfers as a manager, you can either bring in a whole host of players and play the numbers game, finding one or two that fit, but that can alienate the players you already have.

"I try and work on a basis that we need to identify what we want, and go and get it, and with Kai and Dan, we have done that.

"We are very capable and are going to be competitive, in terms of our affordability and budget limitations we've pretty much got the best in class of what is available to us."

It isn't just new faces that Dan was keen to highlight, he thinks that retaining some popular figures has ensured the side will stay strong.

"Having Wilson, Dunn, Scott, Strudley and Hodges all sign new contracts is massive, in certain respects, they are bigger than bringing in new signings.

"All of them attracted interest from higher levels, the fact they want to stay here not only is a great indicator about what we're doing but is also a real pat on the back for the club."

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke Town enjoy 2-2 draw against Watford

It isn't just players that have made a difference to this year's squad, off the pitch new physio Seanagh McCarthy has "Really made a difference in terms of the boys' fitness levels and preparation in terms of prevention of injury."Peart signs for Seagulls (Image: Brighton and Hove Albion)

One exciting outgoing transfer was 17-year-old Brody Peart, who has been recruited by Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.

Dan shared his thoughts on 'Stoke's star-boy.

"It was 'take a pick of your club' - he had a list as long as my whole body, let alone arm, we would get contacted by some agent, or some club wanting him to go on trial pretty much every week.

"He's a fantastic talent, a brilliant worker and we are all really proud of the part we've played in his development, the fact he's been here since about two years old is incredible.

"I've got high hopes for Brody, and we all hope Brighton look after him."

Dan also reflected on the challenge of entering a new league.

"It's nice to have a re-evaluation of who you're playing against, we don't know a lot about the teams in the league, and they won't know a lot about us.

"We are not here to make up the numbers, what we did last year should now be a foundation to build from, rather than a ceiling.

"The boys are more than capable of competing at this level, and I'm excited to see what they can do, it's gonna be really good to test ourselves against these clubs.Temporary 'tunnel' roof (Image: Matt Rooks-Taylor)

Behind the scenes, decisions regarding much-needed development to the Winklebury Sports Complex are still up in the air, recently, a make-shift roof has been added to the 'tunnel' in order for the club to be able to compete in the league.

Dan voiced his frustration but did sympathise that this was to be expected.

"The frustration is we are not really in the conversation of groundworks because we don't own this place. We are kind of being bypassed, which is really frustrating because you want to plan and put processes in place, you want to know that you're going to have your home pitch available to you, and at the moment we have no idea.

"This was always going to happen, but in comparison to when we had to play at Winchester, this is still a dream. But the more comfortable you get with this place, the more frustrating it is because you start to think about what it could be."

The season kicks off on Saturday, August 5, with 'Stoke playing away at Tiverton Town, the match will commence at 3pm.