Welcome to the July edition of The Black & White Review, your regular catch-up on everything happening at Retford United as we edge ever closer to another exciting season in black and white.
After a shorter-than-usual summer break following our fantastic promotion-winning campaign and memorable run to the play-offs, preparations are already well underway for life at Step 5. Training has been intense, spirits are high, and the management team have been delighted with the attitude shown by the squad. Many of the players have returned in excellent condition, making the transition back into pre-season much smoother, while new faces have settled into the group quickly as the squad continues to build strong relationships both on and off the pitch.
Our first pre-season outing saw us renew acquaintances with old rivals Club Thorne. It didn’t take long for one of our new recruits to make his mark, as the signing from Coalville Town, Jacob Carter opened his Badgers account after just three minutes. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, Jacob found a yard of space before curling a superb finish beyond the goalkeeper into the far corner.
As is often the case in pre-season, the second half brought wholesale changes, with only goalkeeper Harvey Woodward remaining on the pitch as the rest of the side was rotated. The fresh legs continued to impress, and Jack Warner rounded off the afternoon by adding a second goal before full time. There were plenty of encouraging individual displays throughout the squad, with Joe Lumley and Dom Hart particularly catching the eye.
The Badgers were back in action on Tuesday evening with a trip to the Stoneslow Stadium to face another familiar opponent in Dronfield Town. A slightly sluggish opening ten minutes soon gave way to an excellent first-half performance, with Retford controlling possession, creating opportunities and linking play together impressively. On another day, the Badgers could easily have gone into the interval with a healthy lead.
A scrappy goal-line scramble handed the hosts the lead shortly after the restart, but the response was exactly what the management wanted to see. Retford took control once again and deservedly levelled through Jack Warner. After winning a clear penalty, Jack confidently picked himself up before rifling the spot kick into the roof of the net. Although the winner never came, there were plenty of positives to take away, with another strong team performance showing that the squad is moving in the right direction. As everyone knows, pre-season is about far more than the scoreline.
Preparations continue this weekend with another exciting test away at Clay Cross Town. Fixtures between the two clubs have always provided entertaining contests, and tomorrow’s game promises to be no different. It’s also the perfect way to warm up before England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway later in the evening.
Then comes the biggest date in the pre-season calendar. On Tuesday evening, Cannon Park welcomes League One side Mansfield Town for what has become one of the standout nights of the summer. Few fixtures generate the excitement and atmosphere that this one does, with fantastic support from both sets of fans creating a brilliant occasion year after year.
“Our annual pre-season match against Mansfield Town has become a fantastic tradition over the last 7–8 years, and once again it will provide a huge boost to Retford United. As a newly promoted Step 5 club, every pound generated from a crowd of 1,500+ makes a massive difference. It helps us budget for the season ahead, maintain our facilities, look after our pitch and continue building the club for everyone involved.
On behalf of everyone at Retford United, I want to say a huge thank you to John and Carolyn Radford, the players, coaching staff and everyone at Mansfield Town for their continued support and for making this fixture possible year after year. Your backing of clubs like ours is genuinely appreciated and never taken for granted.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to Cannon Park for another fantastic evening of football and community spirit. Thank you for your continued support, it really does make all the difference.”
We’re really excited about our annual pre-season fixture against Mansfield. In fairness to Mansfield, they’ve always shown this game great respect by bringing their full first-team squad, and we’re extremely grateful for their continued support. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our lads to test themselves against professional footballers, but the occasion is just as important for our football club and the wider community. We hope to see a record-breaking attendance this pre-season and create another memorable day for everyone involved.”
Even better, the Stags once again bring their first-team squad, giving supporters the opportunity to watch some outstanding footballers right here at Cannon Park. Fans can look forward to seeing the likes of David McGoldrick, Jordan Bowery, Tyler Roberts, Louis Reed and many more top League One talents in action. If you haven’t secured your place yet, online tickets are still available, with supporters also able to pay on the gate on the night. We can’t wait to welcome another bumper crowd for what promises to be another memorable evening.
Pre-season then concludes with two more excellent tests against Northern Premier League newcomers Beverley Town on Saturday 18th July, before Hucknall Town visit Cannon Park a few days later.
On Saturday 25th July, the Badgers begin life at Step 5 with an away trip to Golcar United. A brand-new challenge, new grounds to visit, and another exciting chapter in the history of the club begins.
The excitement doesn’t stop with the opening day either, as two more league fixtures have already been confirmed.Our first home league match of the season arrives on Wednesday 29th July, when we welcome Pickering Town to Cannon Park. Spare a thought for our visitors, who face a casual 172-mile round trip on a Wednesday evening… we’re sure they’ll be delighted! In all seriousness, we’re looking forward to welcoming Pickering to Retford for what promises to be another competitive evening under the lights.
Then, just a few days later, it’s back on the road as we travel to the Horsfall Community Stadium to face Keighley Town (formerly Eccleshill United) on Saturday 1st August.
It’s a fascinating start to life at Step 5. With Retford not having faced Golcar United, Pickering Town or Keighley Town for the best part of seven or eight years, there are plenty of unknowns heading into the opening weeks of the campaign. New opponents, new grounds and fresh challenges are exactly what promotion is all about, and everyone at the club is excited to see what lies ahead.
The full league fixture list is expected to be released very soon, so keep your eyes peeled across our social media channels and website as we reveal the rest of what promises to be an exciting season.
A new league brings new challenges, and the management team have worked incredibly hard over the summer to strengthen the squad ahead of life at Step 5. Rather than simply adding numbers, every signing has been carefully identified to bring quality, competition and hunger to the group.
Here’s a closer look at the new faces pulling on the famous black and white stripes this season…
Alexander Duhameau
Position: Attacker | Signed from: Sherwood Colliery
Alexander was one of the management team’s priority targets this summer, making his arrival particularly pleasing. A dynamic attacking player with plenty of quality in the final third, he’s expected to bring creativity, pace and goals to the Badgers. Everyone at the club is excited to see what he can produce in a Badgers shirt.
Jacob Carter
Position: Attacker / Wide Midfielder | Signed from: Coalville Town
If there was one player who consistently caught the eye against Retford last season, it was Jacob Carter. The management team made no secret that he was a big target, and securing his signature is a huge boost. Technically gifted, direct and capable of producing moments of magic.
Callum Steer
Position: Central Midfielder | Signed from: Coalville Town
Callum arrives at Cannon Park with an outstanding reputation. A true box-to-box midfielder, Callum combines energy, quality on the ball and a real competitive edge. He’s not afraid to put his foot in, loves a tackle, covers every blade of grass and has an eye for goal too. A brilliant addition to the middle of the park.
Louis Spink
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Signed from: Mansfield Town
One of the youngest additions to the squad, Louis joins from Mansfield Town with an exciting future ahead of him. Blessed with plenty of technical ability and attacking flair, he’s regarded as a player with enormous potential. The coaching staff are looking forward to helping him continue his development while giving supporters plenty to enjoy along the way.
Dorian Sulkowski
Position: Midfielder | Signed from: Ilkeston Town
Another player who impressed when playing against the Badgers last season, Dorian arrives with huge promise despite still being just 19 years old. Comfortable in midfield, technically gifted and possessing all the attributes to develop into an outstanding player, he’s someone the management team are particularly excited to work with over the coming years.
Freddie Trueman
Position: Right Back / Centre Back | Signed from: Clifton All Whites
Freddie was one of the standout performers the management team watched throughout last season. Comfortable at right-back or in central defence, he combines maturity beyond his years with excellent athleticism and defensive quality. The coaches believe he has something very special, and supporters are sure to enjoy watching his progress in black and white.
Oliver Wilson
Position: Striker | Signed from: Basford United
Retford supporters caught a glimpse of Oliver towards the end of last season, and now he’ll be looking to make an even bigger impact. A powerful centre-forward with an eye for goal, Oliver brings strength, presence and plenty of attacking threat. The hope? One simple word… goals.
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