Best Of

Don't get the Bellingham reference as with the greatest of respect Bellingham would always have developed the way he has. He's arguably world class. He would have achieved that regardless.

Having said that, let's get behind him and get the job done!

Jake Tabor and Richard Pacquette (23 years’ the former’s senior), both bagged a brace as Amersham Town thrashed Berks County 6-1 yesterday.

Amersham are seven points clear at the top of the CCPN (Step 5) but nearest rivals Egham Town have three games in hand.

The other big local highlight of the day was the incredible 5-5 draw between Real Bedford and Flackwell Heath in the Southern Div One Central (Step 4). Bedford were 3-2 up at half-time before the Heathens turned it around to go 5-3 up, only to finally surrender their lead in the 97th minute. Football, eh? Bloody hell.

I don't have a problem with people being excited or a little underwhelmed or anything in between. Never going to please everyone.

For me I'm in the a little underwhelmed category if I'm being honest. Happy to give him a chance and certainly wouldn't gloat or be like I told you so if it goes wrong.

Aa for developing Bellingham, I'm sure there's plenty of people who will take credit for that. From coaches, to his family and teachers etc. Plus from what I've heard and seen I'm pretty sure he'd of made it at any club.

Same thing happened with Rooney, people popping up on podcasts in America and everything taking credit for him.

Pep wasn’t available unfortunately.

"His track record in improving individual players developing young talent was a key factor in our decision, as we believe this will be crucial to our long-term success. 

In addition, Mike shares our vision of building the club through innovation and data, ensuring that we continue to evolve and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. He also strongly aligns with our commitment to the academy being an integral part of our future strategy, and we are confident that his leadership will help us further strengthen our pathway from youth to first-team football."

Sounds like a very well-considered appointment to me

https://www.euronews.com/2024/01/18/coaches-or-managers-in-football-whats-the-difference

There is a brilliant article explaining the difference between a HC and a Manager

Nothing arguable about it - he just is! But for all the natural ability, you've got to have the right person to foster that talent.

I suspect he'll bring at least an assistant, possibly the guy who has been in charge with him before, it's fairly important he has someone trusted. I still remember Adams looking entirely lost alone in the dugout one pre-season.

Says something about adding to the staff in the statement and Blooms took a couple with him so there will be space.

Wish him well btw, not really a name on anyone's list but as others have said he seems to fit the profile and the vast majority of linked experienced names weren't much more inspiring.

My great nan was the cleaner at Sheffield Utd who are a bigger club than we are…. If she were still alive would that have qualified her to have your support to coach a team? Based on your comments then yes!

I have said I’ll judge by what we see and you can’t say fairer than that. I think majority of fans will feel a bit like I do.

to be fair, he will have had zero media training, and bar his short interim stint, very little experience with press conferences.

as long as he inspires the players then I’m not fussed