Ex-pro striker Liam Hearn set to stay at Hucknall Town

Hopes that Hucknall Town can mount a promotion challenge next season have been boosted by the keenness of ex-professional striker Liam Hearn to stay at the club.
Pointing the way to more goals for Hucknall Town is ex-pro striker Liam Hearn. (PHOTO BY: Craig Lamont Photography)Pointing the way to more goals for Hucknall Town is ex-pro striker Liam Hearn. (PHOTO BY: Craig Lamont Photography)
Pointing the way to more goals for Hucknall Town is ex-pro striker Liam Hearn. (PHOTO BY: Craig Lamont Photography)

The Yellows ended the voided East Midlands Counties League Premier Division in fifth spot and 13 points off pacesetters Sherwood Colliery

The Watnall Road side’s nine draws, including seven away from home, was the second highest in the division behind Kimberley.

And it is a stat that Brown knows must change.

“We were the fourth best defence and third highest goalscorers last season, so looking at those stats we have got a good spread of talent throughout the team,” said Brown.

“The top four had to play each other at least once. We had a big game coming up against Eastwood and one against Dunkirk, which we felt confident about.

“In games like that, against the big teams, we do come out and perform, but we have to learn from last season’s mistakes and take more points from the lower teams.

“We had too many draws last season and we need to turn those into wins if we are to close the gap.”

And the defender is confident that if the Yellows can do that then there is no reason why they cannot mount a serious challenge for a top three spot.

“With the addition of Liam Hearn and a few other players coming back from injury, I think we can realistically be challenging for the top three,” he added.

“Experience is coming back into the side and it can definitely guide us forward.

“We have made huge strides from the season before. Things are positive and we are confident for the new season.”

Key to any future success during the next campaign on and off the field will be the Watnall Road faithful.

Hucknall won nine of their 13 home matches last season with the fans getting right behind the players throughout.

It is a formula which Brown, who is setting himself a five goal target for the new campaign, is keen to see continue.

“We like to see Watnall Road as a bit of a fortress, we have a very distinct way of playing at home and it works well for us,” he said.

“The fans are part of the team and we depend on them.

“We have a great relationship with the fans and we stay behind and have a good chat with them on a personal level after the game.

“They are great at what they do when they get behind the team. The support is good to hear and goes a long way.

“It is great to see young children there wearing a Hucknall shirt, it brings a smile to the face.

“The best game I have ever experienced there was when we beat Sherwood Colliery

“The fans were chanting ‘it’s just like watching Brazil. They were a big part of that and spurred us on.”

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