As the season ends today, we have our final catch-up with Matt Angell. Some thoughts on the season (our first), and a look ahead to next.
Thanks to Matt for his time this week, and of course, his efforts throughout the season.
What words would you use to describe the season, how would you rate the season out of ten and from an objectives perspective, have you met what you set out to achieve?
“Community, fans and togetherness – I’d give the season an 8/10, mainly due to us not making a final and missing out on the league title!
We didn’t have a great deal of time to plan the season as we came in just before we would normally start pre-season. Our first objective was to build a squad to be competitive during the season and give some of the clubs’ youth an opportunity. I firmly believe we did just that. A number of the youth side making debuts, becoming regular starters or training with the squad.
Our number one objective was promotion out of the league at the first time of asking, and thankfully we have achieved that. Ultimately, we are a management team that does want to win things so are disappointed we couldn’t bring any silverware in this season. We will certainly be pushing hard for some next season to make up for our disappointment.”
What would you put forward as the biggest achievement this season?
“Promotion has to be our biggest success, with no players initially it was a great relief to get over the line and secure that top 5 finish. I also feel that the togetherness of the fans and community has been an unreal achievement. That’s by everyone at the club. To average over 400 a game at the level we play is soo soo special and to see the children excited to meet the players and take pictures, has been an amazing experience for everyone involved. Long may that continue next season as it really does help in so many ways.”
Has any one specific moment stood out for you?
“I would say that first home game against Burghfield, the atmosphere was unbelievable and made everyone in the management team understand what a special club we were involved in.”
Have you given any thought to next season yet, possible fixtures, player retention/recruitment?
“Once promotion was confirmed I was working hard behind the scenes on all the above. We have 4 friendlies confirmed so far and have had lots of conversations with potential new signings. We’ve had a couple training with us mid-week. We have been out and about for the last few months watching games midweek also.”
Will you allow yourself any time off from football between May and the end of June?
“This is the busiest time of year for managers so there won’t be much time off at all, it pretty much replaces my day-to-day job sometimes. I have to be strict with myself to make sure the family remains fed! After today’s game we will have a trial on 18th May and will hold player meetings etc until we start back again. A lot of the squad will head off to Ibiza at the beginning of June to enjoy themselves!”
Finally, what will a Matt Angell pre-season look like?
“Pre-season is pretty much already planned apart from a few more fixtures. We will come back in on 18th June for player testing and then be training three times a week until the season starts. The plan is to have around 7-8 friendlies with our first on 29th June.
We run Pre-season in a really professional manner, but we always make sure that the squad are gelling and have a good time together throughout as togetherness in a squad is worth so much. I’m really lucky to have a great team around me. They give me lots of time to watch each and every player in detail to see who makes the 2024/25 squad. We will need a bigger squad this season as lots more games to play with 42 in the league alone!”
First published in the matchday programme versus Reading City U23s.
