Webb Hails 'Brilliant' Dome After Supermarine's First Training Session

Supermarine manager Dave Webb was full of praise for the latest addition to his club's facility arsenal - the SwinDome. The Swindon club trained in the dome for the first time on Thursday night, and Webb believes it will be a real game changer.

Speaking to Total Sport following the first session in the new, impressive arena, Webb said: "It is absolutely brilliant and just what we have been crying out for.

"It ticks all the boxes for what the club needed to take itself forward and work towards that next level.

"There are of course still some finishing touches to be done, but the timing of the dome completion is perfect for us," Webb added.

With the interior pitches now laid and operational, the facility has arrived just in time for Supermarine to continue their training over the Christmas period; something which Webb admits has pleased many of his squad.

"The players really enjoyed the first session. It's a great place to play and a real step up from what we had before," said Webb.

"One of the main advantages above all other things is that the players are indoors, and that makes a big difference," he added.

In comparison to rival clubs, the development of Supermarine's 'SwinDome' now means the side have a grand facility they can not only call their own, but also have access to at a moments notice.

"Most other clubs in the league are able to spend half their weeks in decent facilities, but they have to go through the process of making sure they are available and then booked," said Webb.

"With the dome we have first call, which is an ideal advantage especially in winter when it may be difficult to get other places.

"There aren't many other things like this in Swindon at all, meaning we have some of the best facilities around, which will also be a huge benefit to the public when it becomes available for them to also use in the new year," he added.

Webb admitted the creation of the dome presents a much different side to Supermarine, compared to when he first started as first team manager.

Webb explained: "When I first started as manager we had an section behind the main pitch, where the dome is now, which was referred to as the Tom Jones area.

"Back in those days we would have to go over there after training sessions, collect balls and remove all sorts of rubble and things which were in the way.

"It was very much a wasteland back then, and to now see what it has become today is just incredible," said Webb.

The gaffer also admitted the dome now stands as an extremely attractive proposition for the club going forward, to use as an influential tool to attract potential new signings to the club.

"If we want to sign a player we can bring them along and show them the quality facilities and infrastructure we have here at the club, which will be impressive.

"It makes us look much more professional as a club and we need to take full advantage of that," Webb added.

Supermarine take on Wimborne Town at the Webbswood stadium on Saturday, in a clash Webb hopes his side will continue their current rich vein of form.

"We have a strong squad for Saturday, and the lads all know they have to put in a good shift because there will always be someone else looking to come in and take their position. 

"We'll be without Josh Morse, who is still struggling with tonsillitis, and Bradley Gray who is still around a week away from coming back from injury," said Webb.

Marine will also be without in-form forward Luke Hopper, who scored a hat-trick during his side's 5-0 demolition of Shortwood last weekend. 

"Luke Hooper is serving suspension, so we may have to try a new pairing, but the squad is still strong and everyone is raring to go," said Webb.

"Wimborne have a new manager in Simon Browne so we have to show some respect, but make sure we play our game and get that win," Webb added.