“I already feel part of the group” says Palmer after settling into life at Slimbridge

Slimbridge Co-Manager Michael Palmer admits the transition into new surroundings has been easy for him and is expecting another tough Hellenic Premier campaign.

Palmer moved to Thornhill Park after stepping down as Longlevens Co-Manager after last season, and after over-seeing his new side’s first pre-season game on Friday night, in a defeat to Forest Green Rovers that was full of promise for the Swans, Palmer says he was happy with a first run-out.

“I thought it was a solid performance overall,” said Palmer. “Obviously, there are still things we can work on, but for a first proper run-out, the lads put in a shift.

The lads showed some good spells, created chances, and looked pretty solid defensively for most of it. It’s just about building on that now and getting sharper as we go,” added the former Longlevens Co-Manager.

The former Tuffley Rovers U18s Manager joins a new-look Slimbridge management team, alongside Co-Manager Tom Deakin, First Team Coach Sam Prior and fellow new addition in the form of Assistant Manager, Ben Powell.

And after the first few sessions and first pre-season friendly at his new club, Palmer admits it’s been very easy to settle and says he is delighted to be working alongside three experienced coaches.

“Honestly, the transition has been really smooth. The boys have been brilliant, really welcoming and the coaching staff and all of the people who work so hard behind the scenes have made it easy to get up to speed with everything.

There’s a good vibe around the place, and I already feel part of the group,” Palmer said following Friday night’s game.

“I’m really looking forward to it [working with Deakin, Prior and Powell]. They’ve all got great reputations and you can already see the standards they’re setting, both in training and around the club.

There’s a real togetherness about how we go about things, and that pushes everyone to raise their levels. I’m excited to be part of what we are building here,” added Palmer.

Once again the Hellenic Premier is shaping up to be another tough division to try and get out of, with sides like Corsham Town and Fairford Town announcing some eye-catching new recruits.

Slimbridge had a tough second half to the season and will need to once again start strong if they are to force their way into the top five a be in the hunt for promotion and Palmer believes that if the new look Swans can stick together and find their consistency, then they can have a positive season.

“It’s going to be a tough season for sure. There are some strong sides in this league and you can’t take any game lightly.

But if we stick together, stay consistent, and keep putting in the work, then I think we can give a really good account of ourselves.

It’s about turning up every week with the right mindset,” Palmer said.

Slimbridge continue their pre-season schedule on Tuesday night, when they welcome Dursley Town to Thornhill Park, kick off 19:30 – before trips to Newent Town (12 July) and Shortwood United (15 July)

Cover photo copyright Slimbridge AFC