Meet the Management
On Thursday evening, the club held a ‘Meet the Managers’ event in the pavilion at The Wezzie, attended by nearly 30 supporters and volunteers.
One of those present asked if the proceedings would be reported upon for those not able to attend. So blame him and here you go….
The evening opened with new manager Wayne Benn and assistant manager Chick Hayward being introduced by one half of our amazing board, Phil McCroakam.
WB started by outlining the present position the club is in, the current recruitment situation and his early expectations. No players from last season are returning so they will have to build an entirely new squad.
Their late appointment, relative to most other clubs, means that lots of prospective players have already committed to other clubs. However, WB has 8-9 players already lined up for next season and is waiting on decisions from several others. Chick light-heartedly intimated that he might have to get fit and put his boots back on. We live in hope. More seriously, the recent open training sessions have identified some promising possibilities to be trialled during preseason.
The team is likely to be a young one to start with, with changes probable as the squad personnel evolves over the early weeks of the season.
WB was keen to manage fan expectations, promising 100% effort from management and playing staff alike, but pointing out that realistically things might take an initial downturn before improvement is seen. But this would be a natural part of the intended progression to a sustainable and stable future at step 5 (NCEL) and eventually at step 4, back in the NPL.
One of the opening questions was regarding industrial language from the sidelines last season. No unrealistic promises were made but the family-friendly side of the club was reiterated, as was the openness of the management to receiving any comments regarding this or anything else for that matter.
A footballing question followed about why Wayne and Chick chose to come to Frickley. WB joked that he lives only a few minutes away from Westfield Lane so it would save money on petrol! He went on to explain that he was a local lad, the son of a miner, brought up to understand the importance of the club to the community and old enough to remember the glory days of the 1980s. Both men have played for Frickley and Chick is rightly regarded as a club legend so both know the club well and want to bring the club up, returning it to happier, more successful times. As such, it was the only job that would have tempted them back to this level.
Benn and Hayward were asked about how they had come together. When WB was playing for Bradford Park Avenue, where he played over 450 games, Chick was signed from Frickley for a big fee in 2000, going on to score 37 goals and win BPA the league. The two men obviously hit it off as from then onwards, barring a short hiatus, they have been together at Hemsworth MW (twice), Goole, Ossett United and now Frickley.
The next questioner asked about the inclusion of local players and the positive impact that can have on attendances.
WB and CH definitely want local players but stressed that they have to be good enough and their inclusion can’t just be for the sake of it. They went on to discuss how some Friday night games could increase crowds as will the fact that Benn/Hayward teams will show a pride in the badge and, as ever for a Frickley side, will punch above their weight.
Another audience member was concerned at how often players had been poached and moved to other teams last season. WB was clear that the budget means this will still be something that we will remain vulnerable to, but if moves were to a higher level then this is a just part and parcel of the correct culture at the club. Players can’t be held back for selfish reasons and if they’re being improved at the club then naturally they’ll attract attention from higher up the pyramid. Money talks and players tend to go to higher bidders but it’s sideways moves that are a little more concerning. WB said that if the management do their job well, making training fun and making players feel part of the club, then they will be more likely to stay and play, rather than sitting on the bench at a bigger club.
The question was raised about progression from the academy through to the first team. CH is a firm believer that if a player is good enough then they’re old enough so youth, within reason, is no barrier. Coach Mark Smith was putting everyone who had turned up for training through their paces as we spoke, several youngsters included. Mark is hugely experienced after 500+ EFL appearances, with around 300 of those for Sheffield Wednesday, and is a very highly qualified coach, so along with the experience and talent of Benno and Chick, players are going to be improved.
The new course with Minsthorpe school that starts in September, will hopefully bring through scholars. The hope is that those released from professional clubs will swell its numbers too in the future. The intention is to have them occasionally train with the first team squad to further their development and ease their transition. Benno, Chick and Smudger may also take the odd academy training session.
It’s hoped the Under 19, Under 21 and Under 23 teams could well be revived in 2023/24 as a further way of providing players for the future.
Currently, academy and first team training both take place on the same night on the new £1.3 million 3G (4G?) pitch on the country park, furthering academy players sense of belonging. Whilst the council’s fees are still too high, it is felt that it is important to train here, rather than Sheffield, Doncaster or Gainsborough – as has happened in the past, to make Westfield Lane (the stadium, the pavilion and the 3G) the hub of Frickley Athletic’s footballing activity.
Next up, after one fan expressed their pleasure that WB and CH were taking over, their commitment to the club was discussed. WB and CH reassured everyone that they are here for the long term.
There’s no quick fix but the first job is to build that pride. The pair know that the side they build won’t win every week but they will compete and they will run their blood to water every week. Their mantra is ‘put a shift in’ – graft is the least you can expect. That will give the supporters a team they can identify with and get behind. Their aim is to create a side with a strong spine of players who can play, can handle a ball and won’t get bullied.
Promotion will happen, very possibly not this season, but it’s coming. Their confidence in their own abilities is a strength. To quote Benno “we’re the best management team in the division”. I, for one, was totally convinced.
On the question of the coming season’s NCEL Premier division, WB stated that it will be too competitive for anyone to run away with it. Yorkshire Amateur, Eccleshill, Handsworth, Garforth, Emley and Golcar will definitely be amongst the teams to watch out for and the 2 promoted clubs, North Ferriby and Hallam, will have a momentum that will put them well in the mix as well. WB is well aware that our budget will by bettered by 8 to 10 clubs, including most of those mentioned, but the aim is to be in the top 6 or 7 at Christmas and then see where we can go from there.
As important as positivity from the management is important to all involved with Frickley, Chick thanked everyone for the warmth and positive vibes that had come their way since they were appointed. At this point, Phil and Penny Wall (the other half of our amazing board) were both rightfully praised for all they do for our club. WB then paid credit to Phil and Penny, how it was their positivity that had sold the club to them, metaphorically speaking, and made it feel like the right project for them. And Penny explained, that, despite relegation, budget constraints and any of the other host of problems that plague non-league football clubs, Benno and Chick had convinced the board that they were totally unphased and were absolutely up for the challenge ahead. This was a big factor in their subsequent appointment. So from this juncture, it’s onwards and upwards, challenge accepted.
The two lads are very approachable and are looking forward to getting to know everyone at the club, volunteers and supporters alike. And if some of that happens in the bar then Benno and Chick assured us they do get their round in 😉
After an evening of such positivity and encouragement, the final words should be those of Phil McCroakam “It’s our club and nothing gets you over last season like next season. It can’t start soon enough!”
#forzafrickley
(Pictures by John Hobson)
