Do you think the current situation will affect non-league? Some people have said the finances could change but the past few weeks seem to suggest otherwise.

It will affect some clubs if current social distancing measures are still in place by the time the league starts, some clubs will rely on attendances as main ways of income but some will be funded by a wealthy business or chairperson so for them it will be a great opportunity to flex their financial muscles. I’m not one to moan about clubs who have big budgets, I’d suspect a healthy budget presents its own challenges. Don’t get me wrong I’d like to have a bash at it and be able to cherry pick the odd player whilst being able to keep the players you want by paying good expenses but it’s not going to happen at Ollerton this season.

We’ve been extremely lucky to have a sponsor invest in the club over the last year and the club work tirelessly to match that investment so we can cover travel and the odd beer, and trust me it’s only the odd beer! That’s me being open, honest and pulling no punches. The club is looking for more investment and has advertised a commercial role and hopefully someone will take that role soon. The aim is to be successful on the pitch, maybe punch above our weight and hopefully we can entice a backer who is willing to help grow the club.

I’ve seen Nat Watson has moved clubs and we’ve had Nat at Kirkby. He’s a good lad but I remember paying Nat out of my pocket, that’s not right but at the time you do your best to be successful. That’s what non-league can do to you, but you learn. It’s always easier spending someone else’s money…

What are your thoughts on non-league as a whole? Not just the quality at this level but also some of the fun and games that have started already on Twitter and in the local media. Do you enjoy that side of the job?

Honestly I love it. The game finishes so quickly as a player, you think you’ll never stop but of course you do. I miss playing every single day. I still try to do a bit of training but it’s hard being three stone overweight, having a torn ACL and no cartilage in my right knee. I still think I’d do a job up top but Dave obviously doesn’t! In all seriousness, it gives me massive enjoyment, all of it.

Twitter can be a lively place but like I’ve said previously, I’ve learned to step back. In the Central Midlands days they had a forum and I was a nightmare on it, always looking for a fallout or something to help drive me. It’s pointless but at times it’s hard not to bite. Fundamentally people want to be successful, they want to be appreciated. They try hard to be a success. It’s difficult to keep emotions in check when you care, I get it.

You’ve got to be careful not to overstep the mark though. Some of the Craig Denton stuff has got out of hand recently. I get he’s not backwards in coming forwards but there’s a line.

Being in the NCEL, there’s obviously plenty of more glamorous, historic clubs than ourselves and we are probably seen by many as a bit of an odd fit for the league. Is that feeling of being somewhat of an underdog a challenge that you relish?

Yes and no. It adds to the fire to do better but it would be nice to have the history to fall back on like your Hallam’s or Selby’s. I’d imagine it’s easier when talking to sign players as it’s probably more fashionable to say “Yeah, I play for Hallam” but the only way to get the respect is to go and beat them. That’s something I enjoy. It’s our group of lads against theirs. Forget all other stuff, history doesn’t win games of football. The lads do.

Different people have different opinions on this but what are your thoughts on the idea of being in a league with less travelling? Is that something you would like to see happen?

I’m honestly 50/50 on this. As a club it makes sense to go into a more southern league plus, and I’m not looking for bites, but it’s an easier league in the East Midlands Counties League. Then you add in more local derbies which adds bigger crowds and it’s win-win. But we have some lads who live in Sheffield, Rotherham and North Derbyshire so for them it may not be the best move. I also want to go up against the best and the Northern Counties East League is where the best play.

Though Harrogate away on a Tuesday night in January isn’t much fun!

We’re approaching ten years of yourself and Dave’s time in charge at Ollerton but obviously you have worked together as a managerial pair for even longer. What do you put that longevity down to and how do you think you work as a pair?

It’s probably coming towards 15 years together. It’s a strange relationship. We’ve known each other since our Woodhouse Imps days. I left to join Derby and Dave went to Mansfield Town and we always saw each other regularly as we spent most nights and weekends at the Manor Complex as kids. But fundamentally we both enjoy the game, we appreciate what it takes to get on, and we were very similar as players but our work ethic and mental approach wasn’t right ad that’s helped us when coaching.

As individuals we are different but it works. There’s times when we go quiet on each other when we disagree and we do, loads, but that’s why we bring in people like Jamie Allan previously and now Lee as it helps having that third wheel to bounce ideas and thoughts off. Dave as the gaffer has the last say and he’s the organised one. He sets up training and is a better coach, I’m useless with the cones. I probably have more say on tactics, set up and a more of a voice in the dressing room. It works.

You’ve obviously both worked with several different coaches along the way. Has that helped to keep things fresh and bring new ideas to the table?

100%. We’ve had a few over the years and I’ve learnt things from all of them. The lads can hear the same voices and it can go stale, we are aware of that, so we are always looking to mix things up ourselves but having another voice helps in the dressing room definitely.

I’d say the guys that have helped the most all possess similar traits. Gaz Noble, Jamie Allan and now Lee all understand the importance of fitness, physical demands, getting the lads to understand the importance of winning battles, being brave with and without the ball and sometimes winning ugly. All three of them are happy to talk up and display their feelings and emotions. Let’s say they’re not your nervous types! The big thing is they all appreciate the benefits of being all in it together. You win together, you lose together, you enjoy each other’s company and then a strong dressing room is born. When that happens, you’ve got a chance.

To end, I’ll ask a question I asked Dave, where would you like the club to be when you hit that 10 year anniversary mark next October?

It would be great to see the CISWO situation clear up so we can get going on the new changing and hospitality facilities. I’m sure that’s frustrating for you as well.

Then I’d love someone to take the commercial role on and really help us get a healthy budget. That’s maybe me being selfish but it is needed to be able to compete with the teams locally and in our league. It would enable us to really push on. This team IF we stick together and I can get the three signings I want done, will not be far away from top 8 next season and so by October 2021, I’d like to be pushing for the top 4 with a healthy squad, playing an attractive style, with lads who know they can mix it if needed. The cherry on top would be seeing our under 18s turn into a successful Central Midlands team that has lads banging the first team door off it’s hinges.

I’m really positive about the future of the club. It has got good people who scare. Adge is our go between but everyone is great. I’d like to thank our sponsors too, especially Fast Frame UK and Dent Devils. We would struggle to get a side out there and competing so thanks guys.

Ollerton Town FC

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