Toolstation NCEL Division One
Selby Town manager Christian Fox
Christian Fox believes if his Selby Town squad can show the kind of desire and character which got them into the FA Cup then the Robins stand a good chance of doing well this season.
Selby had to play five times in eight games at the end of last season – playing two nights running at one stage. The Robins won the lot, in turn propelling them from ninth and up to seventh.
The players were really put through the mill, but their efforts have rewarded the club with a place in the FA Cup for the first time since 2012.
Fox told Non League Yorkshire: “The club is thrilled that we’re in the FA Cup, I’ve had loads of texts.
“We hoped we would get in, but it wasn’t until the draws were announced that we knew we were in. Everyone is delighted and it shows that the effort in the last week of the season was worth it.
“The effort the lads put in those five games was brilliant and you can’t fault it.
“The FA Cup was the carrot we were dangling right at the end when it looked like we would miss out on the play-offs.
“We used the FA Cup to keep the lads engaged. The character was amazing and most of the lads involved have returned.
“If we show that kind of character all season then who knows where it may take us, but it definitely bodes well.
“Although the play-offs have gone, we are still aiming to finish as high as possible.
“I think with the squad we have got there is no reason why we can’t be pushing for a higher place than what we finished last season.”
Selby started their pre-season fixture schedule with an impressive 4-2 win over Pickering Town on Friday.
Fox said: “Hopefully we have started as we mean to go.
“I’ve always said that pre-season counts for nothing, but it was a pleasing, more so in the way we played.
“We started back early training-wise and the lads look fit. There was some good attacking play and on another day we could have had a few more.
“I know Pickering weren’t at full strength, but they had a lot of players out there who will play for them next season, two Divisions higher than ourselves.”