It has been a long close-season break for Heanor Town FC with the back room team working hard to make the vital changes to bring success that the club craves.

News broke last week that Glen Clarence has added to the playing staff in great numbers but also has added to the management team by bringing in Kenny Shinfield, formerly of Pinxton FC.

Players have lined up to sign for The Lions with Adrian Hawes, Paulo Piliero, Josh Greenhalgh, Sam Jones, Aidan Brady and Ian Deakin the signings made so far. The players brought in all come with great footballing CV’s – Deakin most recently playing for Mansfield Town FC, Piliero having played for Grantham Town FC, Hawes recently played for Alfreton Town FC and Sam Jones coming through the ranks at Leeds United FC before his move to Retford United. Top target Gary Ricketts was a confirmed signing for Heanor, joining from near neighbours Ilkeston FC, Ricketts has a number of clubs on his CV and has a proven goalscoring record. Brady has been well known on the local non-league scene for a number of years now, his time with Dunkirk, Hucknall and Basford United has proved on his day to be one of the most skilful local footballers you will see.

The intriguing signing of the bunch is ex-Garforth Town FC player Josh Greenhalgh, Josh proved to be an accomplished passer of the ball when Garforth were Heanor's opposition last season, his signing obviously proves how much of an attraction there is for players wanting to Join the Lions.

It was met with great excitement that Kieran Debrouwer committed to Heanor Town FC for another two seasons, the NCEL record goalscorer will be wanting to ensure his name is at the top of the goalscoring chart yet again.

Season tickets for the coming season are now available from The Town Ground, the prices have been cut with tickets being £75 for adults and £50 for OAP’s, the reduced prices coming in line with the FA again making it compulsory for all cup games to be all pay fixtures. This is course means season tickets can’t be used for cup games at Heanor Town FC. The season tickets will allow free entry for first team, reserves and under 21 league games.

With the first team having their first pre-season training session this week, they are preparing for the list of friendlies currently planned, with six away from home starting with Clifton on Thursday 10th July, Arnold Town on Tuesday 15th July, Clipstone on Saturday 19th July, Dunkirk on Tuesday 22nd July, AFC Mansfield on Saturday 26th July and Long Eaton United on Tuesday 29th July. Heanor’s final pre-season friendly will be on Wednesday 6th August when local rivals Mickleover Sports will visit The Town Ground, bringing former managers and players along to play in front of what will be a bumper crowd.

With The FA restructuring the non-league scene it was unfortunate to see our neighbours Basford United and Long Eaton United leave the NCEL to join the midland league, this now means our nearest rivals will be Staveley MWFC at 22 miles from home. Thankfully Heanor will still be providing coach travel to away games. With the increasing cost of travel prices have been set at £5 for 1 hour trips, £8 for 2 hour trips and £12 for any trip that should take longer than 2 hours (ie. Bridlington and Pickering). It is believed these prices will keep Heanor Town FC away support as the best in the NCEL Premier Division.