Everards County League preview: Thorpe Arnold look to consolidate after the drop

The village side have achieved great things in recent years, spending three of the last five summers in the top flight with a largely youthful, homegrown squad.

This campaign they will be looking to consolidate their position in Division One and will have a new face in charge.

Richard Randall will take charge of the First XI after the departure of Jake Gillett who returns to Premier Division Sileby after five seasons with Thorpe.

As well as Gillett, the Firsts have lost a couple of squad players, but have been bolstered by six new players coming to the club, including some old faces bringing quality to the team.

They are also further strengthened by youngsters coming through, two of whom are in the county under 17s side.

The Firsts gets under way at home to Leicester Banks who finished eighth last term (1pm start).

Mark Carnell will continue with the Second XI captaincy duties as they begin another season in Division Four with a local derby at Melton Mowbray (1pm).

Much work has also been carried out on the ground over the winter following its recent expansion.

Friday nights is training night for seniors and juniors and new faces are welcome.

Carnell said: “With the ground looking superb after work over the winter and the flourishing junior set-up we are greatly looking forward to the upcoming season.”