Swann back to lead the way at Walsall Wood
Walsall Wood have a familiar face in charge as they bid to continue their recent success story.
Mark Swann returned to the club in the summer after Darren Byfield left to join Evo-Stik Central Premier club Alvechurch.
Swann enjoyed five successful years with Wood during which he guided them to an FA Vase quarter-final before leaving in 2016.
And chairman Justin Hodgin is keen to see Swann build on Wood’s impressive progress.
They suffered a heart-breaking end to last season’s Midland League Premier Division campaign when they were pipped to the title by Ilkeston on goal difference.
That campaign followed the previous year’s Division One title win under Gary Birch.
“There have been a few changes with Darren leaving and Mark returning,” said Hodgin. “Darren took six of the squad with him but we have kept the spine of last season’s team and we believe we have a squad that can challenge for promotion.
“Mark has his own ideas on how he wants to play and he has brought in 12-13 players.
“Mark had some success here previously and when Darren moved on we felt he was the right man and we asked him if he would be interested in coming back.
“He did a good job when he went in to Romulus, saving them from relegation and winning the league cup, and we felt he was the right man for us.”
Wood kick off the season at home to Gresley.
Newly-promoted Tividale will be without striker Darragh Bustin when they make their Midland League Premier bow at Coventry Sphinx.
Bustin is one of three players unavailable to boss Dave King for what, on paper, looks a tough assignment for his team.
“Coventry don’t tend to lose too many at home, so it’s far from an easy start but you’ve got to play them all at some stage,” he said.
“It’s exciting for the club. Of course it is a challenge but I cannot stress enough how much we are looking forward to it.”
Survival is the primary goal for Tivi, who are aiming to become the first West Midlands Premier champions for three seasons to avoid relegation at the higher level.
“It’s a big step up, brutal if we are being totally honest. But we are going to give it our best shot,” added King.
