Pritchard confident in his charges (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion boss not planning wholesale changes to squad

1:12pm Thursday 17th May 2012 in Witton By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

BRIAN Pritchard says he knows already which players can make his side stronger next season.

However, the Witton manager reassured supporters that there will be no revolution to Albion’s squad upon their return to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s top tier.

“I have a list of names that I believe will make this team better,” he said.

“That does not mean that I want to make a load of changes as a result of us being promoted.

“On the contrary, I think this group is good enough to compete at the level above.”

Pritchard told the Guardian that none of the players that helped Witton to play-offs success have indicated that they wish to leave the Help for Heroes Stadium.

He plans to meet again this week with those he wishes to offer a contract.

“I’m sticking largely with what I have but not out of loyalty or because they deserve a chance to play in the Premier Division,” he added.

“It’s more simple than that; they’ve proved already in cup ties last season that they can cope against opponents from that level, so there’s no need to change too much.

“We’re looking to bring people to the club who can fit into the team that is here.

“The strength of this squad is its adaptability, which allowed us to use a smaller group than most of our rivals. We were also lucky with injuries and our disciplinary record meant we suffered few suspensions.

“What I need to do is make a few smart additions that enhance what we have.

“That means striking a fine balance between trying not to stand still while keeping the consistency of selection that served us so well this time around.”

Pritchard is confident that key figures such as 39-goals top scorer Alex Titchiner and captain Anthony Sheehan, along with defensive duo Ben Harrison and Mathew Wood, will stay in Northwich.