Business as normal for New Mills boss

It is still unclear when the new football season will resume after the 2019/20 season was voided by the FA.

But, despite the uncertainty, Birch says planning is well underway for whenever the new campaign kicks off.

“We are just going to plan as if pre-season is going to go ahead as normal around June/July.

“It possibly won't happen, it probably won’t happen, but we are just going to plan as if it is,” he said.

“We have been speaking to the players we are trying to keep hold of for next season.

“We have spoken to most of the team and we are also looking at targets to bring in.

“We're just trying to carry on as best as we can and have had a few meetings via video call.

“We are just trying to plod on like the other teams and not fall behind and miss the boat.”

The Millers boss, who took over the struggling club after they lost their first seven games of the season, knows that clubs will face a lot of challenges when the action finally resumes.

“It could happen that there is a difference between teams in quality at the start of next season,” he added.

“Some clubs are going to struggle financially through these times, clubs still have outgoings they still need to find.

“New Mills has got some outgoings, but we are stable and secure financially, which is really good to hear.

“It is a worrying time for non league. I have assured the players I have spoken to that the club is secure.”

And the ambitious boss feels that the stability at New Mills will ensure his side has a good season as they target a promotion place.

He added: “I have spoken to the majority of the team we had last year, we want to keep hold of them if we can.

“Four teams were being promoted this season so we do not know yet if that will still be the case for next season.

“If they do it will be great for us because it gives us an opportunity because our aim is to get promoted next year.

“We came in this year and it was difficult, they had played seven and lost seven and the squad was not good enough.

“It took us time to get going and bring in the players that we wanted. I believe before all this came about and it got stopped, we were coming good and getting a good squad together.”

But he knows New Mills will not be the only side who fancy their chances.

“It is going to be a tough season next year and we are just trying to put the building blocks in place,” he added.

“There are a lot of strong teams who have ambition and will be having a good go at it and we are one of them.

“We have got some cracking young players in the squad and we cannot wait to get going. “We just need a bit of experience in the team and I don’t think we will be too far away if I’m honest.”