Bruised Bulls Back For Another Promotion Push

Jersey Bulls' second crack at promotion from Combined Counties Division One starts today.

Bedfont and Feltham are the first opponents of the new season, with a 3pm kick-off at The Orchard in Hounslow.

The fixture is being streamed live online via UK-based production agency Karma at a cost of £5.

The Bulls technically earned promotion after winning every game last season but were cruelly denied after the FA declared the league null and void because of the coronavirus crisis.

Gary Freeman's men earned two 3-0 victories over today's opponents last season.

The manager, speaking to the Jersey Bulls YouTube channel, says he's not had to do too much to pick the players up from that disappointment.

"Yes we're all disappointed obviously, we wanted promotion. I think the first pre-season session we had, we just said it was time to draw a line under it and it was done and time to think about this season.

"They've focused, seeing them working in training, they'll be fine I think."

Here is Gary Freeman’s views as we are all set to go again, including a new signing in the Bulls squad for the first time #BackTheBulls #TimetoCharge https://t.co/5I3zAns8Mc

— JerseyBullsFC (@jersey_bulls) September 3, 2020

The Bulls have resumed training in recent weeks after the government gave the go-ahead to resume contact under level 1 of the coronavirus exit strategy.

However, they've been unable to play any matches. One was planned last weekend behind closed doors at Springfield Stadium against Risborough Rangers, but it was cancelled following a government recommendation amid fears that it could attract off-island visitors.

It's unlikely that the club will be able to play at home until later this year because of ongoing restrictions. The government told Channel 103 last month that the aim is to resume activity in a staged way into the autumn, if conditions are safe to do so.

The lack of match action is something the manager is slightly worried about.

"The lads have played together for a little while now. We're pretty much the same team, the core group is there and they know how we want to play.

"I'm sure they'll be fine but there's no doubt in the back of my mind I know Bedfont are off the back of eight games or whatever they're on.

"It is a little concern, but watching the players and the way they train and work, I think we'll be OK."

Arthur Illingworth is a new addition to the team from last season and is part of the 21-man squad.

The fixture against Bedfont and Feltham is being streamed live online via UK-based production agency Karma at a cost of five pounds.