Newport visit to start friendlies (From Evesham Journal)

Newport visit to start friendlies

7:30pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Evo-Stick Southern Premier Table & Results

EVESHAM United kick-off a hectic pre-season schedule in their new £2million stadium with a visit from Newport County on Saturday (3pm).

The Robins have four games in a week at the Spiers and Hartwell Jubliee Stadium, beginning with the friendly encounter against the Exiles.

Following Saturday’s match, Evesham host Hereford United, another Blue Square Bet Premier side, on Tuesday (7.45pm), League One new boys Shrewsbury Town on Thursday (7.45pm) and Cheltenham Town a week on Saturday (3pm).

The new ground was officially opened by former Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson last Saturday and 1,700 fans attended the curtain-raiser with the Manchester United Legends. Now relegated Evesham are ready for their Evo-Stik Southern Football League Division One South and West preparations to begin.

Chairman Jim Cockerton said: “There’s still a lot of hard work to come but we are looking forward to getting the club going and the signs are brilliant. We expect a reasonable crowd.”

Saturday will be the first time fans can see the squad play in the new ground, although it will be assistant manager Rob Elmes in charge as boss Matt Clarke is on holiday.

Elmes has plenty of players to run the rule over, including five of last season’s squad who have agreed terms for 2012-13.

Defenders Jared Wilson and Henry Eze, midfield duo Leigh Downing and Pedram Ardalany and striker Ben Pugh have all signed. Forward Marcus Palmer has rejoined the club after leaving for Stourbridge last season.

Evesham and Newport will be playing for a trophy in memory of lifelong Newport fan Carl Lewis who died in July 2009, aged 48. He was the brother-inlaw of Evesham committee member Morris Allen and the trophy will be presented by his widow Michelle and other family members.

The Robins are hoping the fixture will become an annual event in his memory.

Following the Newport game, Evesham United Girls Under 18s will face Canada side Camrose Inferno. Kick-off is 5pm and entry is free after 4.30pm.