Football Season Guide

It is the start of a new era for Salford City as they head into the new season with Neil Wood at the helm. The appointment of Wood as manager is a real change in philosophy from the Ammies, who have been fiercely ambitious under the ownership of the Manchester United Class of ’92. Wood has spent the last three years in charge of the under-23 side at Old Trafford and this will be his first experience of management in the Football League. It probably isn’t too surprising given his three predecessors – Graham Alexander, Richie Wellens and Gary Bowyer – have all failed to guide the Ammies into the League Two play-off places in the past three seasons, despite having plenty of managerial experience. Wood will have money to spend with several players leaving the club this summer. A long-term injury restricted striker Ian Henderson’s involvement last season and he has returned to former club Rochdale. Full-back Donald Love and winger Ashley Hunter have both joined Morecambe whilst midfielder Josh Morris has moved to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. Arguably the biggest loss was expected; defender Corie Nbada was voted supporters player of the year before returning to parent club Ipswich Town following the end of his loan. There has one stand-out arrival so far with midfielder Elliot Watt’s switch from Bradford City raising some eyebrows. Wood has inherited a strong squad in the likes of defender Jordan Turnbull, midfielder Jason Lowe and striker Matt Smith and a couple of shrewd additions could make all the difference.