Horncastle Town can take 'momentum' forward despite season being null and void, says Allan Ross

Allan Ross believes Horncastle Town will be able to return to action with some much-needed momentum.

The Wongers’ Lincolnshire League campaign may have been declared null and void, but the joint manager - who linked up with the club last summer - hopes vital groundwork has been put in place.

The ex-Town player and assistant returned to The Wong for the start of the 2020-21 campaign to work with Mickey Stones and his management team.

And despite Covid regulations meaning Ross’ introduction to the squad wasn’t as fluid as he had hoped, he says the club is in a good place for when football starts up once more.

“It was a frustrating time but, if I’m being honest, from the outset it wasn’t quite right,” Ross admitted, reflecting upon the start of last season as he looked to build relationships in the camp.

“Not from the club’s perspective, but we started pre-season and weren’t allowed to change together, things like that.

“I was trying to get to know the squad and the squad was trying to get to know me - we couldn’t really socialise and it didn’t feel right.

“As the season was going on our performances were getting better and I was starting to get to know the lads more, but there was always that problem that we couldn’t open the bar after and get that interaction off the field.”

However, Ross is adamant that last season’s action allowed foundations to be laid, and this will aid Town when they return to action.

“We’ve got a squad that’s dedicated to the team and football club, some fantastic players with ability I want to work with,” he added.

“It’s a long-term plan and not a quick fix. Starting anew season, I’ll be able to have more of an impact and the players will get to know me better as well.

“We can go again with a clean slate I think we’ll go into the new season with momentum.”

On Monday the FA announced the senior and junior grassroots football season has been extended until the end of June to allow competitions to be completed, following the Government announcement that outdoor sport can resume from next month.

The Lincs League had previously suggested holding regionalised leagues to allow teams to play on.

Ross would be happy to get back to action, as long as there are no safety concerns.

"It's something to play for and its a great idea from the league," he added. "We'd love to get back to playing football again."