We sat down with the newest member of Matt’s management team to get to know him and his hopes for the season ahead.
Adam, welcome to Stag Meadow. It’s wonderful to have you at the club. For our supporters who have not met you before can you tell us a bit about your background?
Thank you for the warm welcome.
I have been around non-league steps 5-6 since I made my debut at a very fresh-faced 16 years old, spending 15 years playing and captaining both Finchampstead & Sandhurst Town before a recurring knee problem meant my playing career was cut short. It then got me involved in the management game, where I spent 2.5 seasons at Burnham, finishing 4th in the CCL North (21/22) and then winning the Premier Challenge Cup (22/23) and finishing a point outside the playoffs with a young and talented group. I then had the opportunity to take the reins at Sandhurst Town (CCL South), ten days before their big FA Cup game. It was a difficult decision to leave Ben and the lads at Burnham but a decision I still look back on now as another positive experience for me at the start of my management career, irrespective of the league position. A change in ownership at the club has now led me to Windsor & Eton and I am looking forward to another season ahead back in the CCL North.
What attracted you to the club over other offers you must have had? What was Matt’s sell?
The first thing Matt spoke about when we met was just how well run the club is, the great support behind the scenes with a fantastic community feel and that the players respect and really buy into the culture too. I am a firm believer that if you get it right off the pitch, success will follow and Matt was clear in what he wanted and I just had that feeling in the pit of my stomach that it was something I wanted to be a part of. I also found out that Webby had done his due diligence on me by reaching out to former players and that shows me I am joining a club that really cares about who represents them and the badge.
What did he tell you about the supporters? Be honest!
He couldn’t be more complimentary about the supporters and their dedication and support throughout the last few years both home and away. He also may have mentioned they keep the bar receipts going too and I am looking forward to sharing a beer and meeting them all very soon.
Did you get to see any of our games last season? If so, what were your impressions of the squad?
With family and work commitments as well as managing a step 5 club already, I only managed to get down against Noth Greenford with my dad a few weeks back but I did see a number of games through Veo footage throughout the course of the season. What the squad has achieved is nothing short of incredible and will have been driven by the culture of being together & driving consistent standards, followed by the technical, mental and physical qualities at both ends of the pitch that saw them create history. Step 6 is an extremely difficult league to get out of and to achieve 104 points and be 11 points clear shows just how good this squad is.
You’ve obviously been involved at step 5 before, what can we expect in this league?
It’s a very competitive league. Almost every club with a budget and management teams with bigger contact books, so a much more level playing field than step 6. Typically, the team that is the most consistent in their performances and makes the least mistakes, will fair best. Losing Egham and Bedfont Sports to step 4 does make the league more interesting this year in my opinion but I think that will just make it even more open and competitive. Ashford coming down from step 4 and with a new 3G surface and making some big signings already, along with Kidlington and North Leigh also coming down from the Southern League will be unknown quantities to most in this league, so you never know how strong they will be until the season gets going. In terms of playing styles, there are very few teams who like to play, so expect lots of long balls, physical battles and late drama!
How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
As a player, I wasn’t the most technical. I used to head, kick and tackle, so you would think my philosophy would follow suit but it’s far from it. I think the boys will be pleased to know, I am all about having a ball at the feet and getting as many touches on the ball as possible (even at pre-season), but a non-negotiable is that I demand high intensity and quality. I love to play an attractive, free-flowing style of football but you have to be pragmatic and you need to have the ability to mix it up when required.
What do you hope to be able to bring to the club?
I am hoping my knowledge at this level can support the management team and lads and help deliver another very successful season for the club and fans. I am joining a club that have just won back-to-back titles, so it’s about me fitting in with the lads & culture quickly and then looking to add value.
What are your initial aspirations for the season?
My aspiration is to get this club promoted to step 4. It will be a very difficult league but why can’t we do it again? If we don’t have the aspiration to be successful, we are in the wrong game!
It’s terrific to have you on board!
