TRAFFORD boss Tom Baker hopes to build a successful team in a momentous year for the Shawe View club.

On August 7, Trafford celebrate their 25 years in existence with a party at the Hotel Football, Old Trafford.

It was in the summer of 1990 that David Brown, John Harrison, Bill Whitten and Dave Law, met at Flixton Cricket Club and formulated the plans for a new football club, originally named North Trafford FC.

Baker said: "It is great for me and Chris (Denham) to be here at this great time for the football club.

"We will be attending the special dinner and are looking forward to the season.

"We have had four sessions under our belt and obviously the lads fitness is improving.

"Most of them have come back in good nick and we are now planning every day.

"We start with our first friendly on Saturday against Brickfield in Wales."

Baker has strengthened Trafford's ranks with seven signings so far this season.

He said: "The important thing is we are having really good numbers down at training.

"There are also quite a few lads we need to make decisions on and we will be looking at them over the next couple of weeks to see how they respond to different situations.

"Pre-season is a long process and it will not be all wrapped up quickly and it takes a couple of weeks to sort."

One priority for Baker is to strengthen between the sticks after Tom Read left the club.

Baker said: "Russell Saunders was here last year and we will be looking at other options too in the next two weeks."

Trafford have come a long way in 25-years, as they acquired the use of the Shawe View ground, and were rather fortunate to join the Mid Cheshire League following the late withdrawal of another club.

Since then their rise up the non-league pyramid has been nothing short of spectacular with six promotions and they currently lie just one league away from the Football League.

Former players, supporters and officials are invited to the event and tickets can be obtained by contacting David Murray on 07551 982299 or email davem@traffordfc.co.uk.

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