Soccer Banter: It’s been a few months since we last spoke, but the first game is this weekend. Describe some of the highs and lows of the build up to the season opener?
Steve Coxon: The lows first, major issues with a home stadium. We thought we had a deal all set with Yale, but then we had permit issues with parking, security, vendors, etc. Eight days before our first game we had to scramble and now we will open the season at East Haven High School. The stadium issue is something that we plan to resolve for our second season. The biggest high will be Saturday night when we kick the ball the first time. The past few months have been all time spent in the office and we hope that all that work will be rewarded with a great result in the game.
Soccer Banter: Besides the headaches off the field, what are your thoughts on the team that Dave Kelly and his staff have put together?
Steve Coxon: It’s hard to say as we haven’t really seen any of the other teams play, but on paper we seem to have a very good side. We had a good preseason, but due to college commitments we still haven’t had our full squad together. I believe we will be a team that will get forward and score goals.
Soccer Banter: What should fans expect to see on Saturday night at East Haven High School?
Steve Coxon: The lows first, major issues with a home stadium. We thought we had a deal all set with Yale, but then we had permit issues with parking, security, vendors, etc. Eight days before our first game we had to scramble and now we will open the season at East Haven High School. The stadium issue is something that we plan to resolve for our second season. The biggest high will be Saturday night when we kick the ball the first time. The past few months have been all time spent in the office and we hope that all that work will be rewarded with a great result in the game.
Soccer Banter: Besides the headaches off the field, what are your thoughts on the team that Dave Kelly and his staff have put together?
Steve Coxon: It’s hard to say as we haven’t really seen any of the other teams play, but on paper we seem to have a very good side. We had a good preseason, but due to college commitments we still haven’t had our full squad together. I believe we will be a team that will get forward and score goals.
Soccer Banter: What should fans expect to see on Saturday night at East Haven High School?
Steve Coxon: The fans should be ready to see a high level of football that is played at higher pace than the college game. In essence we are a college all-star team. For the first game, with so many new faces not having the time to play together, fans should expect more individual flair than great team play. With the late change of venue we have had to change some of our initial plans, but we will have giveaways, music, entertainment, and we expect to put on a show on and off the field. The first game we expect a few glitches, but by mid-season we will be firing on all cylinders.
Soccer Banter: Moving forward, will the club be able to build the support from fans that is needed to become a viable team in the Connecticut sports market?
Steve Coxon: I believe so. Our goal has always been about building a foundation, not just about wins and losses. We need the state of Connecticut to come out and support us. The more exposure we can get, the better our chances of building a franchise to the level of our own expectations.
Soccer Banter: Off topic, but what are your thoughts on Newcastle this season, can they finish in the top four?
Steve Coxon: No, sadly no. Just in the last week we had a terrible result against Wigan followed up with a great result against Chelsea. Manchester City needs to win the league so they will be up for our match. We finish the year at Everton who are one of the best teams at the moment. Either way it’s been a great year and I’d be happy with a Europa League place.
Soccer Banter: Moving forward, will the club be able to build the support from fans that is needed to become a viable team in the Connecticut sports market?
Steve Coxon: I believe so. Our goal has always been about building a foundation, not just about wins and losses. We need the state of Connecticut to come out and support us. The more exposure we can get, the better our chances of building a franchise to the level of our own expectations.
Soccer Banter: Off topic, but what are your thoughts on Newcastle this season, can they finish in the top four?
Steve Coxon: No, sadly no. Just in the last week we had a terrible result against Wigan followed up with a great result against Chelsea. Manchester City needs to win the league so they will be up for our match. We finish the year at Everton who are one of the best teams at the moment. Either way it’s been a great year and I’d be happy with a Europa League place.
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