Left back Joe Kendrick made his Spartans return in the 3-1 friendly win over Sunderland RCA having sealed a deal to make a permanant return to Croft Park following a loan spell last season. Speaking at the Sponsors evening last night the former Newcastle United Academy player said “I’m delighted to be back, there’s been a couple of months when I’ve been in negotiations and spoke to some other teams but I was here on loan last year and I really enjoyed it but I’m happy to be back properly now”.
The Dublin born defender joined on a temporary basis last season from Mansfield Town but couldn’t prevent the Spartans’ relegation from the Blue Square North. However he believes there is case for optimism at Croft Park this year. He commented “It’s a whole new team this year and last year the side really didn’t do the business. This year we have a young team and they are keen but the fans will need to be patient with them because it won’t happen overnight but in time it will come right”.
After a few training sessions with Spartans since his permanant move back to the club and his second debut against Sunderland RCA on Tuesday, Kendrick is now fully focused on the season opener at Witton Albion in three weeks. “It’s a tough league and there are a lot of men playing so there will be a massive reality check for them. Pre-season results mean nothing really and the first game of the season will tell a lot but we are looking forward to it”. Kendrick will be in Tommy Cassidy’s squad as Tonbridge Angels travel to Croft Park tomorrow for a 3pm kick off in the next pre-season fixture for Spartans.