Hucknall Town face selection headache ahead of return to league action

Town host Dunkirk in front of a sell-out Watnall Road crowd with Graves confident his side are ready to go.

But who will be in that side is a matter that is a little more difficult to predict.

“We have two players competing for every place, so it’s a nice feeling to have,” said Graves.

“It will be disappointing for those who get left out or are on the bench, but we are trying to pick a team who will win games.

“Everyone will get used at some point, but those who get the shirt know they need to put the effort in.”

Graves also remains confident his side can hit the ground running following a friendly against Carlton Town and an in-house match between the first team and reserves.

“We’re ready and raring to go,” he said.

“I was pleased with how we played against Carlton. We got more minutes in against the reserves so we are ready to go.

“I’m confident that we are fine fitness wise and that there are no issues.

“It will be nice to have the fans back, tickets have gone very well and it will be a sell out.

“We want to put on a bit of a show and welcome them back in style.

“Hopefully we can get back going again with the win.”

Graves is now hoping for more progress in 2021 to continue the steps forward he feel the club has made.

Key to that will be getting their ongoing ground situation finally resolved.

“I think we have made steady progress over the last 12 months," he said.

“We would like the ground issue to be resolved, that is a little bit of an issue where we would like to have had positive news by now.

“Player wise the squad is good and we are solid. We are up where we want to be, it is a tough league though. There are more teams competiting now and anyone can beat anyone in this league.

"You have got to be in your game. We want to get the ground issues sorted so we are not in limbo. We are in a position to apply for promotion and then we will see where we are.”