Gill is playing the long game
Wolverhampton CASUALS boss Dean Gill is focused on building a side that can not only succeed in the West Midlands Premier – but prosper in the league above, writes Joe Edwards.
Casuals host Haughmond, who stormed the division two seasons ago but are back again after failing to make the adjustment to the Midland Premier, tomorrow.
Gill, whose team sit third, considers the fourth-placed Mond a stronger outfit than his at the moment. He is playing the long game, though.
“I think they are one of the top four clubs in the division, along with Black Country Rangers, Tividale and Malvern Town,” said Gill.
“We consider ourselves slightly below them, on budget alone.
“We’ve had Haughmond watched so we know what they’re all about.
“It’s the same side from a couple of years ago that smashed this league.
“Here at Cassies though, we’re not just developing a team for the West Midlands League.
“We know it will be difficult, it won’t be easy and may take a bit of time, but I’m trying to get a team together that can develop, through the leagues.
“The last team that went up and has been successful at the step above is Sporting Khalsa.
“That’s not anything against the teams that have gone up since, it’s just what has happened so we’re looking to develop a team for the league above as well.”
Casuals go into the game on the back of a win against a Midland Premier team – Darren Byfield’s Walsall Wood – in the Staffordshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night.
Kieron Miller grabbed a brace in a 2-1 success.
“Tuesday was a great night. We got the win and deserved it,” added Gill.
“The result was good, but the performance really impressed me.
“It was a good game, two teams just playing good football and us being the better team on the night.
“There’s two things we’re looking for from this game – perform as we did on Tuesday and not let Haughmond catch us up.
“We’re really keen to continue our fine form.”
Reece Mason is the only one missing for Casuals. He is suspended. Also in West Midlands Premier action are second-placed Tividale, at Pegasus Juniors.
Second-bottom Bilston Town have a tough trip to Malvern.
Cradley Town and Dudley Town are both over in Shropshire – at Shawbury United and Shifnal Town respectively.
The sole Midland Premier fixture for our teams sees AFC Wulfrunians head to Westfields.
