New Black Country Rangers boss Sean Geddes happy with his lot after busy summer

No players were attached to Rangers when the former Walsall starlet – in his first job in management – took the reins this summer but Geddes is now full of confidence after assembling a new-look squad.

The 28-year-old believes he has landed a couple of top signings, that will prove unknown on the local scene, and help Black Country match Geddes’ ambitions for the forthcoming season.

“You’re always looking to see if you can improve,” said Geddes, who oversees his first game as manager tomorrow evening against Evesham United at Oldbury’s York Road.

“But I would be happy with to stick with what I’ve got now. I played at Dudley Town at the end of last season. They finished 10th and we won five and drew two from eight games and the team I’ve built is far, far better.

“So I expect to be competing when the season starts.

“It’s been fun so far, I did not think I would enjoy it this much!”

Geddes reckons around 65 players have turned up to pre-season training sessions at Black Country, who are stabilising after a turbulent year.

The boss said he knew around half of the trialists while some came along purely for fitness.

But a handful of individuals have caught his eye and Geddes believes they can be the difference next season.

“I’ve got a striker, Adam Garmson, and midfielder, Hayden Smith, from Cradley,” he added.

“These are young lads but they will be good players for me. They are all local boys to the West Brom area.

“Jason Wood will be my gem. No other teams will know about him and I had to take the chance on him.

“I knew of him but he didn’t start playing until he was 19, and that was last year. He had some interest from Leicester teams but he called and wanted a trial.

“I’m getting Twitter and Facebook messages all the time. It sounds bad but I’ve had to say no because you can’t have every Tom, Dick and Harry come along to training.”

Geddes has assembled a youthful squad and the oldest player among his ranks is former Villa academy star Darius Darkin, who played alongside the boss at Quorn.

Ex-Albion and Stourbridge frontman Kayleden Brown has also agreed to join.

The Rangers chief, a one-time Manchester United youngster, lines up against Evesham’s Carl Abbot tomorrow, his manager at Quorn last season.

Rangers have home friendlies with Halesowen Town on Saturday, Wrens Nest (July 23), Lye Town (July 27) and Bustleholme (July 30) to follow.