Switch To The South Won’t Be Easy Says Gloucester’s Tim Harris

The Tigers will leave behind the division they have called home for the past eight seasons following the FA’s decision in May.

The lateral movement has caused much debate but City now know what they face.

Manager Tim Harris is preparing his squad for the big change but whilst suggesting the North has bigger clubs, he assures everyone that the South will be just as competitive.

He said: “It’s very hard to compare the two leagues but over the past few years the Vanarama National League North has become very daunting. There are some massive clubs in there and it will be very difficult next season too with York coming down and some ambitions clubs joining.

“We enjoyed our time in the league and we’ve made good friends but we’re now in the South and that’s the challenge at hand.”

He added: “We certainly don’t think the standard is less or that this league will be easier, for sure that isn’t the case. We’re not fooling ourselves on that front.

“I remember when I was with Newport County and every game you faced a different challenge. Just because the crowds aren’t four or five thousand like they will be at some games in the North, it doesn’t mean the teams are going to be any less dangerous.”

Harris is aware of the need to produce on the pitch to ensure the supporters stick by their side.

Gloucester are to groundshare at Evesham United while they await the completion of their new stadium, the club confirmed at the end of last season.

“We will be made to feel welcome and although it’s far from perfect being out of the county, the benefit to us in the long run will be huge,” concluded Harris, who described himself as “very happy” with his transfer business so far.