Romford boss Dan Spinks ready for Essex Senior League season

Romford’s Dan Spinks is looking forward to their Essex Senior League opener against Saffron Walden on Friday.

But the Boro boss admitted he would have liked a bit more preparation time before getting the 2023-24 campaign underway.

The Bloods visit Barking’s Lawtech Stadium for the first competitive fixture of the season – which was originally scheduled to be played at their Catons Lane base before being switched.

And Spinks is hoping his side can make the most of home advantage to get off to a good start.

“Friday night under the lights might suit us and we could get a few extra over to watch. We’re looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s probabaly a week too early if I’m honest. I would’ve liked another week on the training ground but we’re all in the same boat.

“The last six weeks, this is what you’re prepping for.

“It’s hard to get a good reading in pre-season, you’ve got trialists coming on and off for ourselves and the opposition.

“But Friday is a game that matters and we will be ready. I expect an extra 10-15 per cent.”

Boro completed their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Barkingside on Saturday, having slipped to a 3-1 defeat against former boss Steve Butterworth’s East Thurrock last Wednesday.

A late goal from Jaden Silcott-Brown capped a fine performance from the Romford winger in the loss, but Spinks was left frustrated.

“It wasn’t our best performance which was slightly disappointing, but we had a couple of beers,” he added.

“He’s taken George Cox and Camilo Restrepo, who were integral parts of the team, but we shook hands and came to an agreement and he has sent me a couple as well.

“We’re still in good contact and will help each other out where we can.”

Finlay Dorrell fired Boro in front against Barkingside after just four minutes at Noak Hill at the weekend, with Sonny Shilling doubling their advantage soon after. 

But Barkingside went close to halving the deficit in the second half when hitting the crossbar.

“It was one of our better performances,” said Spinks.

“We were very sharp at the start and it became a bit easy, with no disrespect to Barkingside.

“Training was good on Tuesday, we had a drink after, all getting together with some of the new faces.”

Boro welcome Buckhurst Hill for their second league fixture on Wednesday (August 2), before focus turns to an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at Halstead on Saturday week (August 5).

But Spinks is not looking too far into the distance at this point.

“It’s too early to set targets but we have our own aims in the camp. That has been drummed into us,” he added.

“It will be a tough league with some of the teams and budgets, without question, but we will look to compete.

“I’m not setting a points tally to start with. I think by the end of August we will see where we are.

“I think there will still be changes in the first few weeks but we’re looking ok.”