Clegg confident ahead of season opener

With the start of the NPL Premier Division season just around the corner, Hyde United manager Michael Clegg insists he has no selection headaches going into the opening day. 

The Tigers kick off their 2026/27 campaign at home to newly promoted Emley this Saturday, and despite his side ending their pre-season with a defeat to Wythenshawe, Clegg says his best 11 is now clearer than ever. 

“Today was bland, I thought it was boring,” revealed the former Ashton United boss following the defeat. 

“I said to the lads at half time, if you’d have paid a tenner to watch that today, I’d have been asking for my money back. 

“Today was really poor, but on the good side, it’s not made our team selection difficult for next Saturday, and we’ll train well this week going into it probably knowing our 11 already.” 

Wins have been hard to come by this pre-season, with Hyde only coming out on top in two out of their eight outings, but Clegg remains relaxed ahead of this weekend’s opener.  

“I think pre-season has been good,” said the 42-year-old. 

“We’ve had some really good bits, and then there are things we still need to work on. I just think the standard of goals we have given away has been frightening, really.  

“But there’s not three points up for grabs, and for me personally, I’m just glad it’s over.  

“I’m not a massive preseason fan. I think it is all about getting lads fit, and there’ll be nothing that can replicate being here on Saturday against against Emley, the lads will just give that little bit more.”  

Clegg is also buoyed by the recent signing of veteran defender Yann Songo’o - whose impressive CV boasts experience in the Scottish Premiership and League One - as well as keeping hold of last season’s Supporter’s Player of the Year Taylor McMahon. 

“I think Taylor’s got a really high ceiling,” he said.  

“Obviously player development’s a huge thing for me management wise. I’ve done it year on year, and I think Taylor could be the next.  

“He’s had a fair bit of interest this summer, but I think it’s probably best he’s here for now and tidies up his game. 

“We’re happy with it [the squad] and especially with Yann coming in now and really organising that back line of Will [Hall], Taylor [McMahon], and Ditch [Harry Ditchfield]. I think he’s already having a big influence on them three, so that’ll be great for them.  

“We’ve got a good squad. All in all, I think we’ll be in good shape come next Saturday, that’s when the fun starts.”