As well as making pre-season signings, new joint managers Adrian Ferrell and John McCallum have also established a liaison with a higher league club to further strengthen Penzance’s playing options ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Toolstation Western League neighbours Helston Athletic are keen to bridge what Director of Football Steve Massey considers too wide a gap between the club’s Kernow Stone St Piran League reserve side and the first team. McCallum, a former Truro City team-mate of Massey, and Ferrell have offered their Kitchen Kit South West Peninsula League first team as stepping stone. In return, Penzance will gain access to Helston players surplus to the requirement of Matty Cusack, who Massey has appointed as his new team manager.
The link-up works by players registering with Helston in the Western League and Penzance in the Peninsula, a process that is permitted for those not under contract.
On the partnership, Ferrell says: “Both clubs will benefit greatly. Us because we can use their fringe players from their first team, which will give experience to younger players in our squad to be around that calibre of player.
“Also a plus is that anyone from our club who is good enough could go on to the Toolstation set-up at Helston. So on that basis it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved. Players from their other sides also have the same chance to integrate with us.”
Helston start their campaign by welcoming Bridgwater United to Kellaway Park on Saturday 30th July whilst Penzance kick-off a week later with a trip to St Blazey.