Tough preseason will help us, says Curzon Ashton boss Steve Cunningham

Curzon Ashton kick off a new National League North campaign this Saturday - and manager Steve Cunningham believes his players are ready to face Chester thanks to their demanding preseason.

Photo credit: Curzon Ashton

Curzon looking to reap the benefits of preseason workouts

The Nash opted for some tricky warm-up games against higher ranked opposition, with defeats to Salford City and Stockport County followed by Saturday’s draw with Altrincham.

Curzon finished the Altrincham game looking more likely to score and take victory, after adjusting better to what became a disjointed game because of the number of substitutes.

Cunningham said: “Tough preseason games are 100% better for my team than easy victories.  We could play against teams two divisions lower and win them all 5-0, but that's a false economy.

“You play teams like Stockport and Salford to get beat, and for them to pull you all over the place. Alty had a fantastic season last year and they’ll look to build on that. I know that if we can match them for the intensity levels and energy, then we are ready for next week.

“If we’d have finished preseason with an easy win over a North West Counties side, you go into the season too cocky thinking you’re going to get the result.”

Enough squad depth to deal with injuries

The team go into the season carrying some knocks, and a new name was added to the injury list on Saturday as new signing Jack McKay went off with a tweaked groin, having played through the pain barrier in the first half.

The Scot joins fellow new signing Adam Thomas and permanent addition Harry Flowers on the sidelines, who are both a week away from a return to action having missed most of preseason.

“It’s a typical preseason, every player carries knocks, that’s why no one likes preseason. Adam is a big signing for us, as is Harry and they’ve missed most of it.

“We have a big squad, there were lads playing against Altrincham who wanted to impress and they’ve done really well. We have a really good blend in the squad depth, my problem now is how do I give all these players minutes?

“I know what my squad is for Chester, but I won’t be telling you that! I know every player and where they’re at, that’s my job in preseason. If I didn’t know by this stage then I’m not doing my job correctly. We have a fantastic group of players - I’ve got lads who are really hungry to play for this club,” the manager said.

Boss now happy with defence

Earlier in preseason, Cunningham had identified a lack of personnel in central defence, although that’s been rectified with the signing of former Barrow and Chesterfield man Scott Wilson.

“He’s a no-nonsense, left-footed centre back - they’re as rare as rocking horse poo! We also have options with Matty Waters, Matt Challoner, Marcus Poscha, and Craig Mahon can fill in at the back too,” he said.

There was also praise for squad players who came off the bench to put the much-changed Altrincham side on the back foot late on, with Craig Hobson notably making an impact.

Playing against one of his former sides, the forward narrowly missed giving his side victory after his acrobatic volley went just over the bar.

“There’s players who’ve not had so many minutes, but when they do come on they affect the game so much for us. The lads’ attitudes were great, and it allowed us to finish the game really strongly, in front of our fans and end preseason on a really positive note.

Curzon used to fighting the odds

Cunningham took charge at The Tameside Stadium ahead of last season, although Covid again ended the season at Step 2.  Curzon have been tipped for relegation ever since winning promotion to the National League North, but are still there after debuting in the 2015/16 season.

This year sees no change, with one bookmaker only listing Bradford Park Avenue at a longer price than Curzon to win the title.

Speaking to Cunningham, it’s clear that he is aiming for much more than just staying up - and wants to set club records along the way.