What are your main goals for the season ahead?

Firm believer in aiming for the highest possible finish. No point in setting a target to be mediocre in the league. Other goals are to implement the way I want the team to play more having only become manager a few weeks ago.

What lessons did you take from last season that are shaping your thoughts on new season?

Last season I was a player for the majority and nearer the end moved into my coaching role in the club. Definitely learned that we need as big a squad as possible. Not only to create completion but with it being amateur football some boys will be working weekends or be severely hungover so having the extra bodies there is always a plus. Also helps the club financially having more boys paying monthly fee’s.

How has pre-season gone so far?

Pre season we have introduced a lot more running withing training. First half an hour is always running so we still have 90 mins of ball work after to keep a good balance. We started with the bleep test as a base statistic for players fitness and have also completed the newly popular Brentford 1k test.

What’s the vibe in the dressing room, any noticeable shifts in attitude or ambition?

The standard within training has definitely taken a shift in the right direction this season with a lot more bodies in there’s a real feeling of boys needing to fight for there places in the team this season. It’s been good to see the boys push each other so far.

What areas of team are you looking to improve most this year?

This season I really want to see us a club have a clear identity of how we play and as long as every player buys into that and understands what we are trying to do their role within that then I see that as an big improvement.

Do you feel the squad has the depth and balance to challenge?

Absolutely, we have a lot more bodies than this time last year and all are of a higher quality. Keep the competition high is what we want to do.
Does your team train midweek? – yes we train Tuesday night which is mandatory for players and then on Thursday nights we do an optional running session. The running sessions are good for us to see what boys are really committed to the cause and wanting to improve this season.
What are your expectations regarding commitment to training and matches? – Matches and Tuesday training session I expect all boys to be there unless they are working or there’s some sort of commitment. We have a fine system in place for last minute call off’s for petty reasons as well.

How do you define success for this season?

I’ve made my ambitions for the club clear to the all the players this season and they know I expect us to go into every game expecting to win. Anything different from that mentality and I think you begin to accept mediocrity and lower standards. Without expecting high standards and pushing each other then you can’t expect success.

Are there any specific teams or fixtures you’re already circling on the fixture list?

We will treat every game as the last and go into it looking to win and respecting our opponents.

Does the team have a players fund committee for team build days out & anything already planned?

Any fines from the fines list goes into a pot for a team night out.