NEWLY-COMMITTED Yellow Niall Thompson has got one eye on the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South play-offs next season.
The 30-year-old wide player, who has signed up for another year at Ladysmead, hopes to translate his pleasure playing under manager Leigh Robinson into a successful club campaign.
“I’ve been really enjoying my football here at Tivvy,” said Niall, who first joined Town at the beginning of the 2021-22 season.
“I love the club: I love the people and the staff around it. Towards the back end of last season, I started really hitting form, so I wanted to continue carrying that on.”
After starting last season in attack, Niall ended the 2023-24 campaign in a less advanced, but no less influential, role.
He said: “I’ve been playing at wing-back or right back for the majority of my career, really. I played up front last season, did well, but I feel like it’s my most comfortable position where I can make most impact in game.
“I really enjoyed it and that’s another reason why I’m staying on because I want to enjoy that position and flourish at it.”
Looking ahead to 2024-25, which begins on Saturday, August 10, Niall is very clear in his objectives.
He said: “For me, it’s carrying on how I ended last season. We got seven wins out of 11 games at the end of last season and my performances were really good. So it’s that consistency – starting at that level – for the majority of the season.
“For the team, I think we should be looking for at least the play-offs. We have got a good infrastructure and a good management team and a good squad. The play-offs are where I am looking to aim.
“There’s some big teams in the league. You’ve got Havant and the neighbours up the road, Taunton, so there are going to be some big games, big crowds. The league is getting stronger, so it’s going to be a tough season but hopefully we can exceed expectations at be right up there.”
Niall Thompson is available for sponsorship for the 2024-25 season. If you would like to sponsor him, or for further details, please email chairman@tivertontownfc.co.uk
Great to have Niall signed up, I’m not wishing the cricket season away, but bring on a play offs season!