Match-winner Moore, Williams and Green catch eye of City boss Hodges

Source: Western Morning News.  Photo's Steve Rogers

Truro City manager Lee Hodges has admitted that he has been impressed by his crop of youngsters in pre-season play, following Saturday’s 3-2 home win over Falmouth Town at Treyew Road.

Summer find Kieffer Moore scored a spectacular 76th-minute overhead winner for the Blue Square Bet South side, after replacing the injured Stewart Yetton.

Kieffer Moore with triallist Jack Bowyer

Hodges said: “Keifer is about six foot three or four tall and showed enough footballing ability to score a spectacular winner.

“He’s still a bit raw but he has definitely got something. I was pleased with him on Saturday and with Ben Williams at left-back – for me, those two stood out – and I think we might have found the place for Dan Green, at right-back. He looks good there.”

Ben Williams, ex TCFC reserves, played for Penzance last year.

Dan Green, signed from Falmouth Town.

Yetton limped off with a hamstring injury after heading Truro ahead in the seventh minute, and then skipper Jake Ash doubled the home side’s advantage before Falmouth hit back with goals either side of half time – through Dan McGhee and Matt Shiels – to draw level.

Hodges said: “Yettsy has tweaked his hamstring and we will just have to see how it is, but I think early signs are for at least a couple weeks.”

Following a draw, a defeat and a win in pre-season, Truro’s next scheduled friendly is at Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South and West side Tiverton Town next Saturday.

triallist Jack Bowyer.

triallist Rob Wearne.

TISA Statement - Monday 30th July 2012

TISA Statement

On Saturday July 28 2012 at 12:00 in the Truro Railway Club, TISA held a general meeting primarily to reconstitute the association and elect a new committee. I am really happy to report that the meeting was very well attended and it was good to meet some familiar faces once again as we approach the new season.

It was agreed that initially there would be a small Committee voted in and the results of those elections were as follows:

Chairman Brian Thompson
Secretary and Vice Chair Simon Birch
Treasurer Dave Grimshaw

There was a full discussion on how TISA could ensure that the fragmentation and conflicts that arose towards the end of last season are not repeated. Generally it was thought that TISA had tried to be “all things to all people” last season and in so doing actually weakened our independent status and our primary mission of “Support of the Team and Support of Ourselves”. Having said that I believe TISA acted honourably throughout the season, being led by its members, for example by meeting formerly with club officials when asked and facilitating volunteers to help the football club with ground grading and other improvements.

On the issue of volunteers helping out with ground improvements and other roles within the football club I would just like to reiterate that at no time has TISA opposed this. On the contrary we have always encouraged individuals who wanted to help out the football club to do so, not as a representative of TISA but as an individual. It is only natural that any non league football club has a group of enthusiast volunteers which help out and we applaud their efforts.

However, most of those volunteers have resigned from TISA or voted with their feet by not attending the TISA meeting on Saturday and this combined with our desire to reaffirm our independent status resulted in the following membership policy being agreed.

TISA Membership

 Membership shall be by application. Each application shall be considered by the TISA committee. Membership terms and conditions and fees will be detailed on the application form which is available on request by messaging me on Facebook or PM’ing me on Tiger Talk. Include your email address if you want the form emailed or your address if you require it posted. We will collect fees from you on confirmation of your successful application and you will receive a membership card and other items in a membership pack.

Finally I would just like to once again reiterate that whether you go on to become a TISA member or not, we are all Truro City supporters and friendships built up over the last few seasons will continue I’m sure as we go about our travels once again in support of our great team.

Simon Birch – TISA Secretary & Vice Chair

City earn first friendly win of the season with late strike

By Rhod Mitchell. Photos Steve Rogers.

Truro City 3 Falmouth Town 2
City regained the Aubrey Wilkes Trophy, competed for by the teams each season, thanks to a fine goal 14 minutes from time by substitute Kiefer Moore.

Kieffer Moore

The tall striker did well to control a cross from the right before turning andacrobatically volleying the ball into the bottom corner of the net past the despairing dive to his right of Town keeper Jason Chapman.

It was enough to settle an entertaining friendly as both clubs continued their preparations for the new season.

Carlsberg SWPL premier division side Falmouth had done well to come back from 2-0 down against the Blue Square Bet South outfit to level the scores after Stewart Yetton and Jake Ash had seemingly put the home side on their way to a comfortable win.

Yetton headed home a cross from the right by strike partner Andy Watkins after only seven minute,s but then had to go off with a hamstring problem which could keep him out for two to four weeks. His place was taken by Moore.

Wayne Quinn came close to a Falmouth equaliser ten minutes later when his free-kick was deflected on to the bar before being cleared.

And Truro took advantage of their let off to double their advantage after 22 minutes when former Falmouth player Dan Green beat Jamie Devine to the ball in his now half and made a storming run before finding Ash who planted the ball over Chapman from outside the area.

Former Falmouth player Dan Green

Falmouth though continued to carry a goal threat with Andy Westgarth denied by home keeper Luke Payne, while at the other end Chapman did well to stop Les Afful and then Moore from making it 3-0.

But three minutes from the interval Falmouth did get back into the game when Dan McGhee's cross shot nfrom wide on the right found the far corner of Payne's net.

And Falmouth levelled the scores 12 minutes into the second half when Payne could only push Quinn's free-kick into the path of Matt Shiels who had the easiest of finishes to make it 2-2.

Both sides then took the chance to ring the changes and the game rather lost its shape before Moore's decisive strike gave the home side their first friendly win at the third attempt after drawing with Bideford and losing 1-0 at home to Plymouth Argyle.

Kieffer Moore on trial

On-trial Kieffer Moore generally made a nuisance of himself against Falmouth Town today. The six foot plus striker from Torquay scored a peach of a goal to secure the result today.  With the departure of Martin Gritton (due to work committments in London), Kieffer would make the ideal replacement, based on his performance today.

City regain the Aubrey Wilkes Memorial Trophy

Captain Jake Ash  accepts the trophy from Steve Kimberley, Falmouth Town's Director of Football. Truro City Vice Chairman, Chris Webb looks on.  The match ended 3-2, with a fine goal from Kieffer Moore to seal the result.  On-trial striker Moore, from Torquay, has been offered a contract with City but is considering his options.  

Kimberley relishes new Falmouth Town role

Source: This is Cornwall

Truro City v Falmouth Town, Aubrey Wilkes Memorial Trophy.

Treyew Road 3pm. Sat 28th July.

FALMOUTH Town make the short trip to Truro City on Saturday as they bid to successfully defend the Aubrey Wilkes Memorial Trophy.

And after upsetting their local rivals with a 3-2 win at Bickland Park to win the Trophy last summer, Town are taking this weekend's game very seriously.

That's according to Steve Kimberley, who this week revealed that he is taking up a new role at Falmouth after relinquishing his position as chairman to become the club's director of football.

It's a position Kimberley says will concentrate more on football matters, as opposed to the general running of the club, which will be taken care of by Falmouth Town AFC Ltd, the company that owns Bickland Park. They took over in May after expressing their concern at the club's financial situation.
But after taking on a more football-based position, Kimberley is relishing the challenge ahead.

Delighted:

He said: "I'm delighted to be the director of football. I just want to look after the football side of the club and this will allow me to do that.

"Falmouth AFC Ltd will continue with the running of the club, and this will allow me to spend more time looking at the team.

"This is one of my favourite times of the year, when the friendlies come along, and I can't wait for the Truro game on Saturday.

"Alan Carey has put together a really good squad and I'm really excited about the new season."
Town boss Carey is expected to field his strongest possible line-up on Saturday, with a string of summer signings likely to feature.

A number of local players have linked up with Falmouth, including Kirk Davies and Dan Richardson from Penryn Athletic, while Penzance quartet Lewis Caspell, Bradley Wills, Ryan Holland and Matt Laity have also made the switch to Bickland Park.

Andy Westgarth has also rejoined his hometown club after he was part of Newquay's division one west title-winning squad last season.

Carey has decided against re-signing Chris Menhenick and Lee Rundle, though the Town boss has managed to retain last season's leading scorer Matt Drummond, despite interest from other clubs.

Dan Green, one of Town's best players last season, is likely to come up against his former club on Saturday after joining Truro.

More images from the Truro City v Argyle game

Richard Augarde's images appear now on his blog link > TCFC Snapper

Carl Fletcher hails Truro and performance from his players in 'decent workout' in Cornwall

Source: This is Plymouth, Evening Herald.

CARL FLETCHER was full of praise for Truro City and their manager Lee Hodges after Argyle beat them 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at Treyew Road on Tuesday.

Truro have been beset by financial difficulties over recent times, and the future of the Conference South club is still uncertain.

As a result, several of City's most experienced players, such as former Argyle striker Barry Hayles, have moved on.

Hodges, a former promotion-winning midfielder with the Pilgrims, is now trying to rebuild his squad.
The 38-year-old, who was a second half substitute against Argyle on Tuesday, is expected to use his close contacts at Home Park to add a couple of loan signings.

Goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth and winger Isaac Vassell, both Cornish-born products of the Pilgrims' youth set-up, had spells with City last season.

Fletcher thought Truro gave Argyle a good test on Tuesday, and was particularly impressed with the state of the playing surface.

The Pilgrims' boss told Herald Sport: "We have a good relationship with Hodgie and the pitch was fantastic.

"Hodgie told me a few of the fans came and sorted it out for them because he was worried about it.
"That's great team spirit for your club from the local community."

It was the sixth successive pre-season that Argyle had played Truro, and they have won all of the contests.

Fletcher said: "We know when we come to Truro it's always a tough game for us. I made the players aware of that.

"The workrate was there, so I was pleased with that. I thought we kept the ball reasonably well, created a few chances and could have had more goals.

"It was a good, decent workout for the lads, I think."

City give youth a chance as big guns miss clash

Source: Rhod Mitchell, West Briton.

Truro City 0 Plymouth Argyle 1

TRURO City player-manager Lee Hodges will hope to welcome back some of his more experienced players in the coming weeks, though he was still given plenty of food for thought after watching a largely youthful line-up lose narrowly to League Two Plymouth Argyle at Treyew Road on Tuesday night.

Lee Hodges at the Argyle game on Tuesday night

With Marcus Martin and Steve Adams already sidelined through injury, Hodges was dealt a further blow hours before the game after learning that Les Afful and Arran Pugh were unable to play.

Barry Hayles, who played in a friendly for Salisbury on Saturday, was also missing, though Hodges is still hoping to convince the veteran striker to spend a second season at Treyew Road.

Experience

Skipper Jake Ash, Joe Broad, Stewart Yetton and Andy Watkins provided the only real experience in Tuesday's starting line-up as Hodges ran the rule over a number of younger players.

Ben Williams, who was at Penzance last season, started at left-back, while former Swansea City defender Frazer Clark was also included in the starting XI.

Dan Green, who joined the club recently from Falmouth Town, was also handed a start at right-back, while former Torquay youth team player Rob Wearne, who spent last season at Penryn, was introduced as a second half substitute.

But in truth, and with such an unfamiliar line-up, and against a similarly experimental Plymouth Argyle squad, Tuesday's friendly provided few highlights for the 1,007 crowd.

Nonetheless, Hodges, whose side host Falmouth Town in the Aubrey Wilkes Memorial Trophy on Saturday, felt it was a useful 90 minutes for the players he had available.

He said: "I've got a few missing at the moment, some are a few weeks away, one or two have work commitments.

"One or two were ill and rang me today (on Tuesday) and they are my more experienced boys.
"I would have liked to have had them down but they weren't here and that just gives the young boys an opportunity.

"It was a good workout for us, the result didn't really mean that much and overall I was pleased.
"All I can do at the moment is look at these youngsters and see if they can make the grade."
Rhys Griffiths' 37th minute strike was all that separated the sides as Argyle deservedly led at the break.

The goal could so easily have been prevented as Griffiths was allowed a clear sight at goal after Clark failed to deal with Cornishman Jamie Lowry's cross.

Injury

And that was to be Lowry's last involvement in the game for his new club, following his recent move from Chesterfield, as the midfielder, who grew up in Newquay, withdrew minutes later through injury.

Truro-born Jared Sims was introduced for Argyle in the second half and he was unlucky not to score against his hometown club when he struck the bar.

Curtis Nelson then rattled the bar with another effort, before the woodwork came to Truro's rescue again when Joe Lennox hit the upright.

But in fairness those chances were the highlights of an otherwise dour encounter.

Hodges said: "I would like my main men to be out there and playing but there is still a lot going on and hopefully it will all be settled soon."

Truro City v Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1

Images from the game last night.  1007 attended and enjoyed a decent game of football in stunning conditions.  In a relaxed atmosphere, both fans and players seemed to relish the occasion.  To cap it all, Carl Fletcher passed a positive comment on the condition of the ground and in particular the standard of the pitch.

Jake Ash leads the team out

Tim Sandercombe

Broady and Dan Green chatting with the ball boys in the line-up.

Watkins and Yetton

Watkins in front of an appreciative crowd.

Adam Kelly

Yetti tussles with the keeper.

The only chance of the game for City, hitting the post.

Tim Sandercombe and Dan Green at the end of the game.

Treyew Road is ready

A final visit to Treyew Road last night was spent mowing the lawns, attending  to the pitch and a genral tidying of the back office and changing room areas.  Over the last couple months, a good size team of people have been helping and preparing the ground prior to our first home match tonight against Plymouth Argyle.  Without any need for pshycophantic back-slapping, everyone has done extremely well and will find the investment of voluntary work rewarding.  Supporters tonight should take a second to appreciate the general cleanliness and presentation of the ground.  The pride has returned.

As per Mark Woolcock's statement last week, he is the new CEO.  There is a new air of optimism at Treyew Road and the future looks bright.  Hopefully everyone will appreciate what's happening. 

Below are some images of the ground and home changing room area taken last night.

Home changing room, completely redecorated.

Straight lines painted in, new grass laid in vital areas.

Dan Green profile by Mike Odgers

Dan Green joined Falmouth Town on loan/trial from Truro City in September 2009 making his debut at Wadebridge 15th Sept.09.

A tireless and tenacious midfielder - the Exeter based player made 124 apearances for Falmouth Town scoring 29 goals.

After signing full time for Falmouth, Dan only missed four games in nearly three seasons (two being rested and two unavailable due to a F.A. coaching course).

A very reliable player who will not let Truro down this season.
 
Good luck to Dan - I will follow his progress with interest.
Written by Mike Odgers.

Bideford AFC v Truro City team line-up

1st Half

Tim Sandercombe
Dan Green
Ben Williams - Ex Reserve team defender
Aaron Pugh
Lee Hodges
Jake Ash
Adam Kelly
Ben Addlesbury
Andy Watkins
Stewart Yetton
Les Afful

2nd Half

Luke Payne - Last Year's Reserve team goalkeeper
Calron Hall - Played part of last season for reserves
Ben Williams (Adam Kelly 80)
Frazer Clarke - 18 year old, ex Swansea youth and torquay
Aaron Pugh
Dan Carne
Cody Cooke
Dan Green
Rob Wearne - Released from Torquay after two year apprenticeship
Kiefa Moore - Trialist from Lee Hodges Youth Team (I think)
Stewart Yetton (Jake Bowyer 70 - Reserve team striker)

Compiled by Alex Driver.

Bideford AFC v Truro City 1-1.

Images from the game at Kingsley Road, Bideford. Sat 20th July, with some new faces and old.

Yetts put in a strong 70 minute performance

Les Afful with Ben Adelsbury behind

Arran Pugh controls on the chest, Lee Hodges behind

Jake Ash

New signing Dan Green at right back put in a strong performance

Ben Adelbury, new signing from Salisbury. (Matt Hockley, ex Truro still looks fit).

Andy Watkins looked sharp, despite the sun tan!

Second half trialists put in a decent effort.

Hayden Jose looked strong on the bench and also put in a decent effort.

Hodges and Newton face two match ban

Lee Hodges and his assistant, Dave Newton, have been banned for the first two matches of the new season, against Billericay Town and Havant & Waterlooville, following incidents at the end of City's 1-0 home defeat to Havant in April. The pair were incensed after referee Paul Rees gave the Hampshire side a penalty and then refused to give City one when Barry Hayles was brought down.

Mark Woolcock embraces his role as CEO

Source: Western Morning News

Mark Woolcock is relishing the daunting job of steering Truro City to calmer waters, after being appointed as the Cornish club's first chief executive officer.

Woolcock, who has stepped up from the post of secretary, is confident that the club, which has been battered by financial problems over the past seasons, has a bright future.

In the shake-up, club owner Kevin Heaney, who over the past seven years has bankrolled City's remarkable rise to playing Blue Square Bet South football, will continue as chairman, but Woolcock will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the club.

He said: "Truro City have done exceptionally well as a team, but my main task is to bring the club back together by embracing the talent from the youth teams, developing our reserve team and supporting our superb ladies' team, with the overall aim of making us a highly successful community club with a national identity.

"Kevin has managed to get some new investment and I think the club is in a very strong position. But we have to live in the real world and bring in income on match days and sponsorship.

"We have to take a pragmatic approach," he added. "It has to be run as a business and not a rich man's folly, but the players will be looked after properly. My role will be to make us more business-like as an organisation, developing the strongest of links with the community, in order that we all share the spoils of the club's success."

Heaney said: "Mark is the most dynamic CEO I have ever known, who will bring stability and help develop the club into a local and national brand that we can all be proud of."

Truro manager Lee Hodges welcomed the news of Woolcock's appointment, calling it a positive move. He said: "Kevin has done amazing things for the club and he's Truro through and through, but I think it is a fresh start."

Bideford are all set for Truro challenge

Source: Western Morning News

Promoted champions Bideford will kick off their first season in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division at Bedworth United on Saturday, August 18.

That is the date – and the fixture – to the fore of Sean Joyce's mind as the Robins' manager prepares his side for this afternoon's pre-season Sports Ground friendly against Truro City.

It will be the first time Bideford have played at home since clinching the Division One South and West crown last season.

True to form, Joyce is already excited by the prospect of a new season and a new start. He said: "We've had one training session and have already played two pre-season games.

"You can put on running sessions and get 12, 13 or, if you're really lucky, 14 people turn up to them. You organise a match and you get 24 there. It's just the way it is.

"Pre-season is a means to an end and in my mind that end is getting match-fit and the only way you are going to get match-fit is playing matches."

Last season Bideford played 11 pre-season matches. By next Wednesday – when they visit north Devon neighbours Barnstaple Town – the Robins will have played five friendlies in 12 days.

Joyce said: "We won 3-1 at Ilfracombe away last Saturday and 3-0 at Buckland in the week. We've got Truro, then Saltash United away on Monday and Barnstaple on Wednesday.

"The idea is to play the south Devon-based lads at Saltash on Monday and the north Devon boys on Wednesday. That's the plan, anyway."

Both Joyce and today's managerial counterpart, Truro boss Lee Hodges, plan on fielding as many players as possible today and, therefore, first and second-half sides.

Hodges said: "I've got an idea in my head for a starting XI and then plan to change it all around in the second half.

"Our first pre-season friendly was washed out but we've trained really hard this week, twice. The lads put a lot into it but nothing prepares you for matches like a game.

"We've got a bunch of boys out but I still think we can put out a couple of sides. Martin Watts is back but just running at the moment, Marcus Martin and Stevie Adams are injured, Martin Gritton has been down with us and trained twice but has gone back to London, and Joe Broad is best man at a wedding."

Joyce and Hodges anticipate featuring new players today. Hodges said: "We've had interest from a few players and I plan on giving some of them a run-out. I'm still keen on finding a right-back and a centre-half as soon as possible."

TCFC Club Statement, Monday, 16 July 2012

CLUB STATEMENT ISSUED MONDAY, 16 JULY 2012

Truro City FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Woolcock as their first-ever Chief Executive Officer. Since taking the reins as Club Secretary last season, Mark has proved to Chairman Kevin Heaney that he is the man to continue delivering the highest level of football in the county and build on the success the club has enjoyed over the past seven years. Kevin Heaney introduces Mark as "the most dynamic CEO I have ever known, who will bring stability and help develop the club into a local and national brand that we can all be proud of."

Mark has managed to combine his clinical role with the Cornwall Out-of-Hours GP service and the Secretary role at Truro for the past year, but now feels that this new challenge will require much of his time. He says: "Truro City have done exceptionally well as a team, but my main task is to bring the 'club' back together by embracing the talent from the youth teams, developing our Reserve team and supporting our superb Ladies team, with the overall aim of making us a highly successful community club with a national identity.

"Kevin has provided this club with such a fantastic platform for good football, but has not been able to invest the time he would want into taking us to the next level. My role will be to make us more businesslike as an organisation, ensuring financial stability for every season and developing the strongest of links with the community, in order that we all share the spoils of the club's success."

Kevin Heaney recognises that the long-term future of any organisation lies in succession planning, and whilst he intends to remain as the Chairman of the football club, he is happy to leave the running of the whole club in Mark's safe hands.

Vice-Chairman Chris Webb said: "I don't think anyone will ever repeat the success that Kevin has brought to this club and the legacy he has built will be a major part of the club's history. I am looking forward to working with Mark as his enthusiasm and energy to get things done is exactly what we need now."

Born and raised in Truro, Mark realises the importance the fans will play in determining the long-term future of the club. "Over the past few weeks, I have been utterly amazed by our supporters, who have spent hours and hours at the club making it ready for the new season. The buzz around the place is like nothing I have ever known. To have been given this fantastic opportunity to develop this club whilst working in the city that I love and grew up in is something I could never have dreamt of."

Mark's first home game "in charge" will be against Plymouth Argyle on the 24th July, when fans old and new are encouraged to come to the game and support the squad in getting ready for another tough season in the Conference South.

Hodges impressed by loyalty

Source Rhod Mitchell, This is Cornwall LINK

Truro City manager Lee Hodges has praised the "unbelievable loyalty" of his players, after revealing that the vast majority of last season's squad are set to remain at Treyew Road for the new Blue Square Bet South season.

Despite virtually all of the players having to take sizeable pay cuts, it is expected that only a handful of players may move on.

Stewart Yetton, Adam Kelly, Les Afful, Joe Broad, Cody Cooke and a new signing, midfielder Ben Adelsbury, have all put pen to paper, with the majority of the rest looking near-certainties to commit themselves to the club for another season in the next few days. Former midfielder Dan Green is also set to return, after a spell at Falmouth Town.

Hodges has also been talking to 34-year-old right-back Warren Goodhind, who made more than 200 appearances in the Football League for Barnet, Cambridge United, Rochdale and Oxford United, before dropping into non-League football.

Last season, the London-based South African, whose parents live in Truro, played 14 games for Thurrock, who were relegated from Blue Square Bet South. Goodhind would be a direct replacement for Barry McConnell, who was not offered a contract by the club at the end of last season and has joined Weymouth.

"Warren is a solid defender who has played at a good standard," said Hodges, who knew Goodhind when they were both players at Barnet. However, there are doubts over whether strikers Martin Gritton and Barry Hayles plus left-back Scott Walker will be returning to the club.

Gritton, whose parents live in the Cornish city and who joined the club towards the end of last season, is keen to stay, but he is concerned that a new job in London could prevent him from doing so.

Hayles has been offered a new contract, but Hodges has not yet received the veteran's response, while there is intense speculation that last season's top scorer, Walker, could be set to depart to a lower-league club after making 216 City appearances.

Hodges said: "The players have shown unbelievable loyalty despite the much smaller budget. It is all very positive."

13th July St Austell pre season friendly cancelled

The first friendly of the season at St Austell has sadly been cancelled due to waterlogged pitch.

Scott Walker transfers to Weymouth

Scott Walker will not be playing for Truro City next season and has decided on pastures new at Weymouth Town.  Scotty was deadly at the penalty spot and as such was City's top goal scorer last season.  Truro Fans wishes him well at Weymouth.

More info can be found via this link: Cornwall Soccer Forum Link

Latest on this season's signings

Stewart Yetton's Twitter account informs us that he has today put pen to paper and signed on for another year.  In addition, several other players have also followed suit.  They include Jake Ash, Andy Watkins, Joe Broad, Tim Sandercombe, Cody Cooke, Adam Kelly, Arran Pugh, Ben Adelsbury  (from Salisbury City).

We can defy the odds – Hodges

Source - This is Cornwall LINK HERE

IF THE bookmakers are to be believed, Truro City are destined for relegation from Blue Square Bet South this season.

The league's sponsors have City at 100-1 for the title, with only Maidenhead United at 125-1 behind them in the pre-season betting.

But City boss Lee Hodges is confident they can defy the odds and survive in the league for a second successive season providing the club's financial future is secured.

The squad returned to training on Tuesday and Hodges is upbeat about his team's prospects, even though no-one has actually put pen to paper yet.

He said: "I know everyone expects us to be relegated, but I know what the players are capable of.
"It is going to be difficult, but my target is an improvement on last season, when we finished 14th with 48 points. I am sure we will have a competitive squad."

All of the squad have been offered new contracts and the vast majority have agreed in principle to the new deals.

Speculation

However, it is all dependent on adequate funding for the forthcoming season being secured, with speculation that chairman Kevin Heaney will be stepping back from day to day involvement with the club.

Hodges is still waiting to hear from skipper Jake Ash, Barry Hayles and Scott Walker on whether they will be staying.

It is known that a number of other squad members have also attracted intense interest from rival clubs, and will not wait forever for the situation to be resolved.

But if all goes according to plan, the bulk of last season's squad should start the season at Treyew Road, including much sought after striker Andy Watkins who has, it is understood, rejected overtures from newly-promoted Conference premier outfit Woking.

"It all looks a lot more positive than it did a few weeks ago," admitted Hodges.

"Once I know everything is sorted out we can get going but you can't ask players to go on waiting indefinitely. "

Among those at Tuesday evening's first training session at Tregye, was former Salisbury City midfielder Ben Addlesbury, who looks poised to join the club if the financial situation is resolved.

Former player Dan Green also took part, though he is also attracting interest from Dorchester Town.
"It was a really good session," said Hodges.

Defender Steve Adams looks sure to miss the start of the season after an ankle operation, while Marcus Martin may also be a doubt after also undergoing an ankle operation.

Martin Watts, who missed the whole of last season with injury, should also be fit to resume playing by September.

Ed Palmer, who spent a spell at City last season on loan from Torquay United, has decided to join Kettering Town, rather than return to Treyew Road.

The fixtures were released on Monday and for the second successive season, Truro City will start their Blue Square Bet South campaign with a long away trip to Essex.

Last season, City began their season at Chelmsford City, winning 1-0, and now on Saturday August 18 they will make the 650-mile round trip to play newly-promoted Billericay Town. Their first home game is four days later on Tuesday August 21 at home to Havant and Waterlooville and on Saturday the 25th they are at home to Salisbury City.

They complete a hectic August at Weston-super-Mare on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27. On Boxing Day, City entertain Dorchester Town and travel to the Dorset side for the return game on New Year's Day. City's final game of the season is at Tonbridge Angels on Saturday April 27.

Hodges said: "It would have been nice to have started and finished at home but you can't do anything about it. Every game will be difficult. It is a tough league."

Barry McConnell, who was the only player from last season's squad not to be offered a new contract, has expressed his disappointment at the decision. Read his exclusive interview on page 108.

Defender wanted to stay at City

Story by Rhod Mitchell. This is Cornwall. LINK

BARRY McConnell, who was released by Truro City at the end of April after four highly successful seasons at Treyew Road, has spoken exclusively for the first time of his disappointment at the club's decision not to offer him a new contract.

Barry dummies a Dartford player

The 35-year-old former Exeter City defender made 179 City appearances, scoring 21 goals (all but from one from the penalty spot), helping them to two promotions and a place in Blue Square Bet South, where they finished 14th last season.

McConnell started all but two of City's 42 games, as usual making the No 2 shirt his own.
And he said his time at City was the happiest of his lengthy career, apart from a couple of seasons at Exeter City.

Baz takes a knock at the Falmouth game

"It was the happiest because of the players I was playing with who man for man I hold a lot of respect for and get on with all of them and I wish them every future success in their careers where ever that may be."

But he was the only player told he would not be offered a new deal – a decision which he says he still cannot fully understand.

He said: "I was told I was not fit enough. But I am fit as I have ever been.

Baz at the Gloucester City away game

Turbulent:

"My legs have not gone and I wonder whether there were other reasons behind the decision. I did think it strange I was the only player not offered the chance to stay. But that is football and the club's decision."

Last season was a turbulent one off the field for City, with their well publicised financial problems and McConnell was known to be outspoken on the situation, clashing with chairman Kevin Heaney, something which he thinks might have counted against him.

He said: "I would have loved to have had one more season with Truro. I wanted to stay and it was not a money issue.

"I think every player should have been given the opportunity to stay at the club after what had gone on during the season. I would have stayed if I had been offered a contract."

He was however full of praise for the City squad, a number of whom he said were better than he had played with and against in the Football League.

He added: "They are an amazing group of players and supporters there. At any other club the players would have walked away and the club would have folded.

"They were training twice a week and playing without pay. It was an amazing achievement to stay in the league considering all that was going on.

"I think without those off the field problems we could easily have made the play-offs.

"Kevin Heaney has spent a lot of money and the club on the field has come a long way in a short time. But off the field there is no infrastructure and they are miles away from what a club should be at that level."

McConnell was signed by then manager Sean McCarthy in 2008 and in his first season at the club helped them to the Southern League's Division 1 South and South West title.

After a season of consolidation in the premier division, City again won the title and with it promotion to Blue Square Bet South.

Looking back over his approaching 200 games at the club McConnell picked out last season's 2-2 draw at Sutton, when City travelled with just 12 players, and the 6-0 win at Salisbury City on their way to winning the Southern League Premier division title as his two big highlights.

"We went to Sutton with 11 men and a young boy and came within seconds of winning and at Salisbury, who were top of the table at the time, we all turned up on our game.

"That does not happen very often going to a top of the table side and winning 6-0. We gave them a beasting."

McConnell however, has no intention of giving up playing the game he loves and has signed for ambitious Southern League premier division outfit Weymouth.

"After I left Truro I realised I still wanted to keep playing. As everyone says you are a long time retired," he said.

Barry with fans after the Dartford match, his last appearance for Truro.

Return ticket to Essex on opening day of term

Source This is Cornwall, by Rhod Mitchell

Truro City are set to return to pre-season training tonight, a day after the release of the 2012-13 Blue Square Bet South fixtures.

City visit newly promoted Essex side Billericay Town on Saturday, August 18, the opening day of Truro's second season in the Conference South division.

City manager Lee Hodges was born in Essex – Epping – and the 38-year-old will be heading back to his home county on the opening day for a second successive season.

Hodges said: "Last season we went to Chelmsford on the opening day, for our first ever fixture in the Conference, and we won 1-0.

"Hopefully it's a good omen again but we know that Billericay are going to be full of confidence – like we were – after winning promotion, and they will want to do well in front of their home fans on the opening day."

City then return to Treyew Road for back-to-back home league games against Havant & Waterlooville (Tuesday, August 21) and Salisbury City (Saturday, August 25).

Hodges added: "Obviously, it will be nice to be playing back at home and the fact we've got a couple of games in a week is good. The fact we play three games in the first week let's you know you are up and running, and seeing the fixtures has brought all of that home to me.

"Last season we made a great start – we won our first three games – and that's probably what kept us up in the end.

"This time around, we know what the league is like and just how tough it is going to be," the City chief added.

"Obviously, playing someone like Bath City is a big game for us and the supporters and shows just how far we have come. I am sure we will get a big crowd in for that one when they visit in October.

"It will be nice to be at home for two of the three games over Christmas, it's just a bit of a shame we start and finish the season away, but you can't have it all and, like I said, the busy spell over Christmas is not too bad as either side of it we are at Salisbury and Dorchester."

Dorchester are Boxing Day visitors to Treyew Road with the return trip to The Avenue on New Year's Day, Tuesday January 1.

Hodges concluded: "The spell over Christmas is always an exciting time, because the games come thick and fast, but obviously my priority now is getting the lads back in and ready for the opening game at Billericay."

Hodges is hopeful of lining up a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 11, a week before City kick off their Conference campaign.

Truro boss Lee Hodges wants to 'keep the nucleus' of his squad

Source: BBC Sport

Truro City boss Lee Hodges says he wants to try and keep the bulk of his squad that played for him last season.

City avoided relegation from Blue Square Bet South last year despite having just 16 players to pick from.

Financially troubled City are still under a transfer embargo which restricted them for much of last season as the club faced a winding-up order.

"I'd like to keep the nucleus of that squad and try and add three or four more fresh faces to it," he said.

"That's a good competitive squad of 20 or 21 that I'd like to feel could compete in this division.

"We didn't have enough bodies to get through to that finishing line last year, but all credit to the lads as we managed to survive and that was the aim," he added to BBC Radio Cornwall.

Hodges said he is trying to ensure that there is as little pressure as possible on his squad, and that his main aim is to consolidate their place in the Blue Square Bet South.

"We got 48 points last season, the aim's probably to finish higher than 14th and hopefully try and reach that 50 point barrier. I'm not putting any pressure on the boys, we know how difficult this league is.

"The bookies say we're second-from-bottom for the title, so they feel we're going to struggle, but I know what my boys are capable of and we'll go quietly about it.

"First and foremost the aim is to stay in this division as it's going to be a tough league, but I'm sure we'll fare a little bit better."