Graves welcomes the return of fans to Hucknall Town

Andy Graves was delighted to welcome the supporters back to Watnall Road.
Hucknall Town boss Andy Graves. Photo: Rachel AtkinsHucknall Town boss Andy Graves. Photo: Rachel Atkins
Hucknall Town boss Andy Graves. Photo: Rachel Atkins

New Government guidelines means a clubs can now welcome a limited number of fans into games, up to 15 per cent of minimum league ground capacity, with that amount set to rise on Monday.

A crowd was allowed to watch for the first time this pre-season on Saturday as Hucknall Town drew 1-1 with Leicester Nirvana, supporters also watching the midweek defeat to Long Eaton United.

Having fans in the ground not only boosts the club’s coffers, but also makes a real difference to the players.

"It was nice to get the supporters back," Graves told the Dispatch.

"Some of the new lads said that's the thing that drew them here.

"They played against us last season and saw we had fantastic support."

Of course, supporters are never afraid to have their say on any club matter or performance, but that's something Graves welcomes.

"We've missed everything, even the criticism, everything," he added.

"I always say managers never win a game of football, only lose them. We could go 14 games unbeaten and then drop a point and I'd know about it.

"But that comes with it, it's part and parcel of it. We're grateful for the supporters, they're immense for us.

"When they get behind us at the Watnall Road end they can get very noisy.

"With that comes the pressure as well as you're performing in front of a lot of eyes. We sensed that a bit on Saturday, but we did alright."

Aaron Short headed Hucknall in front as they drew 1-1 at home with United Counties League Premier Division side Leicester Nirvana on Saturday.

The Yellows were beaten 6-0 at Watnall Road by Midland Football League side Long Eaton United on Wednesday evening.

Joshua Lawe (two), Jamie Walker, James Shaw, Alex Marshall and an own goal settled the contest in the visitors' favour.

Tom Unwin and Reece Gatland were on target as Hucknall's reserves secured a 2-0 victory over Awsworth Villa on Tuesday evening.

Both goals arrived in the second half.