Droitwich Spa FC Manager Andy Crowther, who has acheived two promotions and reached two play-off finals with the Saltmen, in his first four seasons as manager, took the time out to talk to dsfc.news about the pre-season pause and his thoughts for the future.

Six weeks in to the pause between seasons, how have you been relaxing and taking a break from football?
"We are all taking a break from football and enjoying some well earned family time, even though it’s hard to switch off!
First of all, the lads had their end of season trip to sunny Benidorm, and what a trip it was!
There were a lot of laughs from a top group and a few stories for a rainy day!"

How are pre season preparations shaping up and what do you expect to get out of the friendly games?
"Pre season games are virtually all booked in, with just one date to fill at the moment.
Like any pre season, the games are all about getting the time into the legs, and for the lads to push each other and push for that shirt to start the season."

Can we expect many changes to the playing squad and coaching staff?
"Currently all first team management & coaching staff are continuing in 2025-26, and meetings have taken place with the majority of the players , and it's all looking very positive at the moment. Obviously Pez (n.r Perry Moss) is currently on his travels until around November time, and there are a couple more chats to be had, but all in all I am happy with where we currently are."

Have you got any transfer targets in mind?
"On the subject of new signings, there are some discussions that are on-going, but again the players have to fit into our ethos and what we are about, so nothing will be rushed or announced until pen has been put to paper."

What are your thoughts on the proposed League allocation? Are there any particular fixtures that you are looking forward to?
"With moving to the Hellenic League Premier Division, it brings some local derbies.
It will be good to see the progression that we've made over the last few years, and finally pit ourselves against some top teams with us playing at our highest level.
As a management team we are all looking forward to the new challenge ahead and also visiting a lot of new grounds."

Do you have any aspirations for the season?
"Between the group we will set our targets and push as much as we can, but the main thing is that we all enjoy it, and enjoy the ride that we have been on, and continue it to our highest levels."

When do pre-season preparations begin?
"The lads are all due back at the end of June, which seems an eternity from when we finished in the middle of April, but I’m sure they are all chomping at the bit to get going and testing themselves all over again, this time at Step 5."

We'd like to thank "Crowth" for taking the time out for this interview and wish him, his Management team and players all the best for the season ahead.