Slough Town FC: Joint-manager Neil Baker warns not to read too much into team selection

Competition for places will be fierce with summer signings Sam Togwell and Louie Soares bringing added quality and experience to a squad that won promotion from the Southern Premier Division.

The Rebels get their National League South season under way with a visit to Arbour Park from Hampton & Richmond Borough (3pm) and Baker has explained the difficulties in naming the first starting line-up.

He told the Observer: “We’re almost there but it’s never easy to pick a team for the opening match because players will look into it.

“James Dobson and Lee Togwell were on the bench for the first match of last season, but both ended up playing huge parts so you can look too much into it.

“Whatever team we do play on Saturday will be different to the side we use in our second match. We’ve got seven matches in the first month so will change it around a bit.

“We will pick a side that we think is right for the opposition and conditions.”

Baker and fellow joint-manager Jon Underwood have a fully fit squad to pick from, although centre back Guy Hollis is doubtful with whiplash.

Hampton & Richmond suffered defeat on penalties in the play-off final last season, but Baker expects a different side to arrive at Arbour Park under new manager Gary McCann.

He said: “Only one or two are still involved so it’s a completely new team.

“Gary has brought in a number of players that he knows well and trusts. Hendon had a good side last season and he has brought over the better players and added to it.

“No game will be easy in this league and your first match is always tough as it’s normally a tight affair with both sides not wanting to give too much away.

“We will try to win the game and pick up our first three points as quick as we can.

“You always want to win your first match as quickly as you can to settle down a little bit and then push on.”

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