Burgess happy to see back of term (From Dudley News)

Burgess happy to see back of term

2:00pm Friday 27th April 2012 in Sport

ANDY Burgess admits the season is ending at the right time for Dudley Town.

The Robins became the first team to complete their West Midlands Premier fixtures at Bromyard Town last night.

An injury crisis over the past month has seen Burgess himself twice appear as a substitute and he reveals the club are already planning for next season.

He said: “If we are honest the last six or seven games has all been about looking at next year.

“We’ve had a chance to look at players on the fringes of the squad and see whether they are going to be good enough.

“It’s perhaps cost us a few points along the way but we’ve also not been helped by injuries.”

Dudley went into last night’s game knowing victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish in Burgess’ first year at the Dell.

He is looking to improve again next season but says the club still lacks the budget to challenge for the title.

Burgess said: “If our squad stayed fit for the whole season you would expect to challenge in the top three or four — but injuries are always going to happen.

“That’s where having the bigger budget helps you in replacing key men.”

Tividale need one more point to clinch fourth place in the Midland Alliance following Saturday’s 3-2 win at Alvechurch.

But the club’s main focus is now on silverware as they face AFC Wulfrunians in the JW Hunt Cup semi-final tomorrow, with the game being played at Goodrich FC.

Dean Whitehouse’s side then complete their league campaign on Saturday when they host Dunkirk at Packwood Road.

The manager is pleased with how his side have performed in their first season in the Alliance.

He said: “I’m actually disappointed in a way because we lost players at crucial stages of the season.

“Had that not happened we might have challenged a bit higher.

“But, overall I think we have to be pleased and it would be great if we can finish the season with a trophy.

“In many ways the hard work starts now when we start building for next year.”

Dudley Sports are still in with a shout of a top-10 finish in the West Midlands Premier after drawing 1-1 at Malvern Town on Saturday. Sports travel to Shawbury United this weekend.