Hopes are high at new ground

10:05am Thursday 9th August 2007

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Causeway United will kick off the season this Saturday in new surroundings and with quiet optimism according to chairman Steve Hulston (pictured).

The Midland Alliance outfit have moved to Stourbridge's War Memorial ground after a one-year stay at Tividale and Hulston is looking forward to the move.

Although due to the ground also being used by Stourbridge Cricket Club it means they will have to play their first six league fixtures away from home starting at the weekend when they travel to Atherstone.

The chairman said: "It's a fresh start for us here at Stourbridge and it's one we are really looking forward to.

"After moving round a little bit in the last couple of seasons we are happy to have signed a seven-year lease and hopefully we will be here beyond that.

"This certainly gives us the long-term stability we are looking for."

Manager Karl Burley has been able to keep the majority of his young squad together for the new campaign with only utility man Gavin Winsper moving on to pastures new with him signing for Romulus.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old goalkeeper Mark Fullwood, young striker Stuart Howe and Matt Richards have joined.

Burley, who will once again be assisted by Andy Mole has added former player Neil Burden to the back room staff.

Hulston has been delighted the club have been able to keep the nucleus of the young squad.

He said: "It's great to see we have been able to keep the squad together.

"They are fit and young with plenty of enthusiasm and I can't wait for Saturday.

"We are quietly optimisistic for the season ahead and we would love to get a top half finish and a some good cup runs."

The squad will be showing off the club's two new kits sponsored by Hayley Green Commercials Ltd at the War Memorial Ground tonight for the club's official photo shoot.