Valuable Minutes: Jarrett offers his thoughts on Billingham Town

“It’s going to be another really good test for us.”

Redcar Athletic’s preparations for the 2024/25 season continue against Billingham Town this evening, First Team Manager Carl Jarrett keen to see his squad clock another ninety minutes.

The Steelmen opened their campaign against near-neighbours Redcar Town, running out 2-1 winners with ten-men, holding a National League side to a draw behind-closed-doors.

A hastily organised bout in the absence of a scheduled trip to Stockton Town, the boss stressed the importance of game time in a bid for match fitness, offering his thanks to the Blues for agreeing to the fixture.

The boss said: “Firstly, I want to thank Billingham Town for stepping in, late in the day, to give us this game.”

“It really helps us as a management team, and players, instead of just having another training session.

“There’s nothing better, as the players will all know, than playing games, so it does really help us.”

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On the opposition themselves, Jarrett admitted a divisional discrepancy meant nothing in pre-season, praising new boss Jamie Poole for his early efforts with the club.

“Against Billingham Town, it’ll be a good set up.” He said. “Jamie (Poole) has just taken over, so they will be looking at a lot of things.”

“I’m really looking forward to be playing against my old club, and getting some minutes into the lads.

“Pre-season is coming along really well at the present minute, everyone is looking really sharp.

“It’s going to be another really good test for us.”