The Wide Boy Diary with Dion Sembie-Ferris

Whilst some non-league clubs splash the cash, looking for short term gain, other non-league sides are happy to give youth a chance and entrust a first team place with a young professional from a league side.

Dion Sembie-Ferris has been tearing it up for Concord Rangers since arriving on loan from Colchester United earlier in the season, but what is a normal week like for Dion? Well I spent some time with him to find out...

MONDAY

It's an early start on a Monday, as I go into training for 9am, so I can do some prepare myself for the session ahead with some light stretching and mobility work. If I haven't played at the weekend I will go out with the Under 23's later in the morning, but if I've had a game on Saturday, I'll just do some gym work to cool my body down.

Whilst on a Monday, the boys are quite curious on how I've got on at the weekend, and they will always ask what the game was like, as not many of them have experienced first team football. I think it's vital that as a young pro you get experience playing men's football as it is a world away from playing U23's.  However the good thing about Colchester is that they always give their own players a chance, so hopefully my opportunity isn't too far away!

After I've lunched and showered I go home from training, but my day isn't done! I go to a gym which is close to my house where I will continue to mobilise my body, which involves massaging of the muscles, dynamic stretches in a cold pool, then I will unwind with a jacuzzi and a sauna.


TUESDAY

Training on a Tuesday would be light for me, as I have training with Concord Rangers in the evening, so I'll do the technical part and some possession based play, before stepping out before the small-sided games begin.
There isn't much difference between the training at professional and non-league level.  Both are based around technique and possession. At any level keeping the ball is vital.  However on a Thursday at Concord the emphasis changes and is geared towards our opponent on the Saturday, and we work on areas that can give us the best chance of victory, be that working on our shape or working on our attacking moves.
Tuesday is a long day for me, as I won't get home till after 10pm, and as I've done two sessions I will have a cold bath to relieve my muscles.


WEDNESDAY

Is a day off at Colchester, but not for me! I always go to the gym and work on things specific to my position on the pitch.  It's key for me to always keep my explosive pace. It's one of my biggest attributes and working in the gym to maintain and better my pace is vital for me.
When I was younger I tried to base my style of play on Thierry Henry, he was my biggest idoal and I loved the way he ran with power and elegance on the ball and the affect he had on other team-mates around him.  Nowadays I don't have a specific player I look up to, but when I watch football on the TV I try to focus on the wingers to see what they do, and implement some of their good things into my game.

THURSDAY

Today is very similar to the Tuesday, and it's very much the same routine.  As I said before Thursday evening's are focused with an eye on the game on Saturday.  Flan and Glen (Adam Flanagan and Glen Alzapeidi) are always giving me good feedback on how I'm progressing and it's a great motivator for me to go out their on a Saturday and improve on my previous performance.
I think what I need to play at the highest level is to just be positive and believe in myself sometimes, that's my biggest downfall, so any encouragement I get from the coaching staff at Colchester or Concord is really beneficial to me.
Playing regular men's football I'm now finding myself believing in myself and willing to try things on the ball! I'm always going to give 100% so when the games over I can look back and think I couldn't have given anymore.
Again I'll get home late and have a cold bath to relax my muscles (Writer's note - always in the bath this boy!)

FRIDAY

As it's the day before a game I make sure that I train well so I'm well prepared for the game on the Saturday.  At Colchester we do small-sided games with the U23s and some of the youth team, so most of the time is spent playing inside in the dome at the training ground.
Training will finish at 130pm and then I'll go home, unwind, have a good meal and get a decent night's sleep ahead of the game tomorrow (Writer's Note .... no bath!?!)

SATURDAY

Game Day! So I'll prepare with pasta and toast for breakfast with a smoothie and then I'll take a banana and some water for me for the journey towards the stadium as it was a long journey to Hungerford (Interview took place just after Hungerford away match) to make sure I have some small snacks to keep my energy levels for the match.
Long distance travel can affect some people, as it can cause tight muscles due to sitting down too long or even cause tiredness, but it shouldn't be used as an excuse for starting a game slowly. You can start a game slowly at your own ground! It's all down to getting in the right mindset, plus you have plenty of time shake-off any lethargy after travelling if you warm up properly before the game.
The dressing room is quite loud before a game, the music's on, Hoody is in charge of the music and it's quite decent to be fair, the boys are chatting away and it's quite relaxed beforehand, but as it get's closer to kick-off things get focused.  The Gaffa gives us our instructions and we go out onto the pitch fully prepared and ready to win the game.
After the game and on the way back home on the coach, I will wear my compression socks which will help my muscle recovery. Then once home I'll have a cold bath (Writer's Note...there it is!)

SUNDAY

Depending on how long I've played on the Saturday, I will use the Sunday to completely rest, or I will again go to the gym and do another pool session. I'll just chill on a Sunday evening, watch some TV and get ready to go for the next week ahead!

Concord Rangers: The Battle to Stay Up.

Let's start with a quiz question.  Look at the above picture, taken at the end of the 2015/2016 season. How many of those player's still play for Concord?  I'll answer it for you. It's four.  Therein lies the problem of Concord's current season. Yes playing at the Conference South level with the lowest budget in the league does come with difficulties, but for a team of Concord's size to constantly be losing player's through transfers, or long term injuries it's going to have an effect eventually.

Since I've followed Concord thing's have generally been on an upward curve.  The success of the Danny Cowley years, followed by an excellent first season in charge by Adam Flanagan. But this season, oh this season.  Where to begin? Let's go back to the picture. Ben Greenhalgh and Lewis Taaffe two key components in 2015/2016, spirited away by other clubs. Tom Stephen the supporter's player of the year last season - did his ACL in pre-season. Out for the season. The goalkeeper, Ben McNamara, he won the Chairman's Player of the Season in 2015/2016. Now not being horrible to Ben, but I don't know what happened to him in the Summer, it's like his twin brother turned up at Concord at the start of this season. Ben's now left the club.

Concord hover just outside the relegation zone, having played more games than their rivals, but what remains at Concord is probably the key to their survival. Whilst Concord have lost player's left, right and centre through one mean's or another. The Concord heart still remains. "I've never been involved in a situation such as the one we are in now, but I do know through speaking with others and being around football long enough what it takes to get through a period that we're experiencing at the moment" said club stalwart Steve King "We need to ensure we work hard on the training pitch firstly, and then on matchday we must be determined to win our individual battles on the pitch. If we can do that, the team has enough quality to get ourselves out of the mess we find ourselves in" confirmed Steve, when I asked him how Concord work their way out of this sticky situation.

What Concord do you have through Steve, and the captain James White are individuals who will run through walls for Concord, they're not the only two, but it's their voices you can hear loudest on a Saturday afternoon, "For me, as skipper, I've got to keep the group close and make sure your willing to help your mate out on the pitch. This is no time for individuals now." said Whitey. Now that team ethic runs deep in Concord, it always has done.  Actually from the player's on the pitch, to the people behind the bar, to the volunteers who give up their precious time on a weekend to help the club, everyone pulls in the same direction. But what about those people who pay to watch the matches, now admittedly there's not many of them, but I tell you what, they don't moan or boo at the team during the match, unlike some "bigger" teams supporters. I won't name those team's supporters here, it would be wrong (I will it's Ebbsfleet and Chelmsford). "A club the size of Concord depends on everyone, there a few that keep the club ticking over constantly, however everyone is important, we are going through a difficult phase and want the staff and supporters to keep faith that we do care about the club and the league we are in. Everything is put on to help us, so there can be no excuses from the players, we need to perform to the qualities that Concord are known for" again James White, see the skipper of the club, knows exactly what everyone feels.

Now I don't think I would be writing this blog, if it wasn't for one thing.  You see, Concord have dropped, I say dropped, lost is better.  Concord have lost 8 points from goals conceded in the 88th minute or later in games this season.  That has happened across 5 matches this term. You'd expect it happening maybe once or twice in a season as that's football, but 5 times. You're sitting there thinking of "for fucks sake". That's the fan's view, but how about the player's, again Steve King "There's no clear reason why this happens. When it starts to happen you put it down to bad luck and not having the rub of the green, but ultimately it's a desire or concentration issue. At this level you need to have 100% focus every second of the game or you will be punished. Added to that you need to want to die for the cause whether it be getting on the end of a delivery to score a goal, or throw your body on the line to block a goal bound effort defensively, which as a team we haven't been doing well enough."

Concord still have sixteen games to play this season, so there is plenty of time left for them to dig themselves out of the hole they find themselves in, but are the player's confident?  I'll leave the final word to firstly Kingy. " I'm confident, there is a lot of quality in the changing room. We just need to get the mental side of things right and once we put a couple of results together I'm certain we will be fine."

Secondly the Captain James White, boomed out this statement. It gets the heart pumping this. "Yes, being honest now if any player in the side has committed to relegation, then please leave the club. There is a lot of football to be played and I can guarantee we will all fight for the right to play in this league next season."


#YAMC.

Whatever Happened to Football's Next Star?

"I remember the first time I was pulled into a first team training session during the show, it was so surreal. I found myself on a team with Mario Balotelli and Ricardo Quaresma playing up against Lucio and Javier Zanetti. It's no coincidence that you can't play your best football when you're completely star-struck." Ben Greenhalgh was taking part in Sky One's 2010 reality TV program "Football's Next Star". Ben had impressed in a trial in Kent earlier in the year, and had been chosen as one of forty young footballers who could be the "next big thing" and end up being rewarded with a professional contract with Inter Milan, who at the time were managed by Jose Mourinho.

"That day I wasn't taking anything seriously" Ben reminisces about the trial day back in 2009 "Jamie Redknapp approached me and said I'd been selected. I was like the only one out of about 300 lads. I took it all in my stride, I wasn't fazed by anything as many things were going my way at the time. I'd signed a professional contract at Welling when I was sixteen, and I had just been selected for England U18's, so maybe the reason I remained so composed during the whole process was due to the fact that I felt I had places to fall back to."




Over the next weekend the forty young footballers were whittled down to ten to take part in the TV show, and Ben was chosen. By his own admittance he had a good game in the hour long match, he set up a goal for fellow finalist Hicham Abdellah. This was all part of the 1st episode aired in January 2010, and the episode ended with each player being presented with an Inter Milan shirt and the boys jetted off to Italy to take part in the TV program.  In the following episodes player's were eliminated until only two remained, and the series culminated with Ben winning and earning himself a six-month contract at then Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia winners Inter Milan.

"The first team would give me a lot of confidence whenever I trained with them, and they all understood what approach was best for a 17/18 year old stepping up into this level. Patrick Vieira was fantastic for me, as things had happened so quickly for me, I hadn't had time to learn Italian. Patrick translated most things for me on the training pitch, so I understood what I needed to do." Ben's first team training opportunities were limited as he spent a majority of the time training with the reserves, who were mostly young foreign players as well. "I was finding it really hard to adapt to the Italian culture, I didn't speak hardly any of the language and neither did any of my reserve team-mates. It was tough. I lived with Mattia Destro who was tipped for big things at Inter, but just as I got to know him and build a friendship with him, he was sold to Genoa."

Once the six months had passed, Ben had done enough to earn another year's contract at Inter Milan, which included a loan period at Como who at the time were playing in Serie C. "Como was more realistic for me, let's be serious I was never going to break into that Inter team. I was going into the Como team as someone on loan from Inter, that's quite a tag to have. It was definitely my big chance. No-one spoke English and I had to really immerse myself into the culture. I ended up loving my time there, I was nearly fluent in the language and I was playing really well." In twelve games towards the end of the 2010/2011 season Greenhalgh scored eight times.  But his time in Italy was coming to an end "Como were in real financial difficulty and the first team players hadn't been paid for three months. I couldn't take the risk of staying there not being paid.  If I was being paid to play, there is a fair chance I'd still be out there now." In fact during the 2010/2011 season Serie B and Serie C was awash with a number of sides facing financial ruin, in Serie B; Ascoli and Ancona were expelled from the League due to financial irregularities, and only Ascoli were reinstated after appeal. Meanwhile in Serie C, Como were deducted 1 point for financial irregularities. Como were not alone, as many as seven sides were deducted points for improper financial information. However Ravenna were deducted seven points for match-fixing, whilst Alessandria were demoted to last place in the table for the same offence.  Whilst the football on the pitch may have been good for Greenhalgh, off the pitch things in Italy were tumultuous.

Ben returned to England and during the summer of 2011 had trials at Brighton and Birmingham, without any success. Greenhalgh returned to where it all began for him Welling United.  Ben's time in Italy had served him well, as his set piece delivery had improved and was a constant threat for Ben in non-league football. "I'd worked really hard on it during my time in Italy. It all comes down to confidence, if you have confidence in your delivery and so do your management and players then there is no pressure." Ben could lean on words of praise from Patrick Vieira which not many non-league player's can call on - "Patrick always told me to be confident on the ball, and have faith in my ability. Whenever I spoke to him at Inter, he always drilled that into me."

Ben's left wing wizardry and set-piece delivery was noticed by Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the summer of 2013 who were then being managed by Terry Butcher "Terry managed the way he played the game, he wore his heart on his sleeve and showed so much passion for the game it was admirable.  He loved his wingers as well, which was good news for me. It's probably why I got on so well with him, and I was given great opportunities. However just as I was breaking into the first team, Terry left for Hibs." Butcher's departure from Inverness affected Greenhalgh as incoming manager John Hughes did not select him and Greenhalgh was left to rot in the reserves, and despite a successful loan period at Stenhousemuir which helped Greenhalgh "get back into the swing of things", at the end of the 2013/2014 season Greenhalgh was returning back to England.

Ben spent the 2014/2015 season at Maidstone who were a team on the rise and Greenhalgh had his best scoring season to date, as he hit double figures in Maidstone's Championship winning season in the Isthmian Premier Division.  Greenhalgh was on the move again at the end of that season, and spent a year at Concord Rangers, in which he revelled in a free role given to him by manager Adam Flanagan. As Ben said earlier "If the management have confidence in your ability then you can deliver." Greenhalgh scored nineteen goals in the 2015/2016 including the winner in the Essex Senior Cup Final, and probably assisted just as many goals if not more.

Maidstone came a calling again this summer. The Kent side had now been promoted to the National League and were playing in front of crowds of over 2000 on a regular basis at their new stadium.  In six years Greenhalgh, had gone from Serie A to the National League via the Scottish Premiership, but does he still have the love for the game that day he was approached by Jamie Redknapp -  " My aim in football is to always enjoy where I'm playing, and to keep the passion for playing as high as possible which can be hard in the world of football. Maidstone have fantastic ambition and with the support we get from the fans and community, whose to say where we could end up. Full time training is something I definitely miss, but I'm constantly looking to improve my game and to keep myself in the best physical shape."

Cowley's success is no surprise to Concord Rangers

Whilst Lincoln City ride high in the National League and look poised for a return to the Football League, the club's recent success and good form doesn't come as a shock to a team you may have not heard about on Canvey Island.

24th January 2015 was when I first encountered what can only be described as the wonder of Danny Cowley's management. His Concord side walloped big spending Whitehawk 3-0 in the National League South. To my then un-trained eyes this was ridiculous, how had Danny got this group of players punching above their weight in this Division and beating full-time sides with bigger budgets and packed with professional footballers so easily? As I was to find out, Danny had been doing this for years.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, Danny and his brother Nicky, who was his Assistant Manager were to leave Concord Rangers at the end of the 2014/2015 season to move onto National League Braintree Town. I only captured the last few months of Cowley's reign at Concord, but it had been an incredible rise up through the divisions which had begun back in 2007, when Danny Cowley was appointed Joint-Manager with Danny Scopes in the Essex Senior League. A world away from the Conference South that Concord now competed in. "When I first spoke to him, I was under no illusion that this guy would end up managing in full time football. He impressed me from day one." said Concord Chairman Antony Smith of that meeting back in 2007.

The 2007/2008 season began with Concord under the dual managership of Cowley and Scopes, there was an identikit of the kind of player the two Danny's wanted playing for Concord "We demanded that players had the right attitude and the team came first. We wanted fit lads with outstanding work rate and as we progressed through the levels the quality required for that league." Danny Scopes was only confirming what Danny Cowley said me to back in January 2015 when I first spoke to him "The players have to buy into the ethos of the club. A player's personality is more important to me than their ability."

Whilst the team battled for the Essex Senior League title with Cowley in joint charge of the team, Danny's brother Nicky joined the club.  Nicky was a tough-tackling centre-midfielder. No quarter asked. No quarter given.  "Nicky typified the spirit of our team at the time. He was definitely the type of player you'd rather have on your team than against you though, that's for sure. said Miki Hood who had also joined the club that season, in some kind of back-room coach/kit-man/physio role.
Nicky's influence on the team was immense "He was the player you would make Captain of your team on the first day of pre-season training" said Danny Scopes "He has the passion you need and every manager dreams of this from his players.  The attitude to give his best and to drive others on, to give their best on and off the pitch. He would never tolerate someone not trying, and not having the same desire on the pitch as him. He was a leader of men" This type of player typified what Cowley and Scopes wanted from their team, and this worked as Concord had a highly successful season in the Essex Senior League. They travelled to Barkingside on the last day of the season knowing that victory on that day would bring them the title - again Danny Scopes "Dan had a great understanding of when to scream and shout and when to be calm in the dressing room, I have heard and been around plenty of other managers that feel they need to shout and scream to get their point across, but they actually lose focus of what needed to be said.  At this time this game (Barkingside) was maybe and might still be one of the most important games in Danny/Nicky's management/playing career's so far. We come in at half time 0-0 and we have not been playing well, and looked nervous in our play. We were playing on a difficult pitch against a Barkingside team that 100% wanted to destroy our dream of winning the League. Danny went on to give one of the best half-time team talks I have heard as a manager or player, driving the player's on and encouraging them to go take what we had worked so hard for all season, to go and make it happen and not wait for it to happen. It was an emotional moment for everyone in that dressing room and maybe the moment that got us over the line with a 1-0 win, promotion and the start of an incredible journey."

In 2008/2009 Concord battled it out in the Ryman League Division One North, not much was expected of them.  Mid-table consolidation would have been gratefully accepted. Not for Cowley though, Concord finished a credible 5th place and a place in the league play-offs. Unfortunately Concord were defeated in the play-off final by Waltham Abbey on penalties. Concord would not be denied though and the following season they achieved promotion to the Ryman Premier League beating Enfield Town 3-1 in the play-off final.  By this time Steve King had played for Danny Cowley and with Nicky Cowley for a couple of seasons, and the centre back remembers his playing time with Nicky "We always used to fight and bicker on the pitch, but we were so successful because of it. Each of us without knowing it were driving each other on. As soon as that final whistle went, we had a cuddle and a sing-song on the way home from away matches."

As Concord moved up the levels that consequently the standard of opposition rose, so Cowley, now managing the club on his own after Danny Scopes retirement began looking for ways that Concord could beat the odds. "He left no stone un-turned.  Every minor detail was spot on. That minor detail could make the difference and his attention to detail was second to none" confirms Steve King.  But how could Concord who were a part-time club operate against the bigger sides in the division? Miki Hood who was on-hand for the majority of the training sessions at that time - "Danny will probably be the first person to tell you the limitations of working in the part-time football environment. Realistically in 3/4 hours a week, are you going to be able to make every single individual in your squad a markedly better technical footballer, more tactically astute, a more well-rounded player, and look to develop individual skills - probably not. But you can instil a team organisation, an identity, a collective understanding and belief - to make something greater than the sum of it's parts? You have to say yes, and that's what he did."

As it transpired teams could not cope with Concord's pressing game. They were hard to break down, and always carried a goal threat. They didn't know when they were beaten.  Look at Lincoln's results this season. Notice those late goals. It's not coincidence.  But back to Concord. In 2012/2013 after a slow start to the season everything clicked into place. Concord found themselves in the play-offs. An unbelievable feat for the club.  However Cowley would not let his team rest on it's laurels and congratulate themselves for making the play-offs. Towards the end of the normal season, Concord had lost 2-1 to a late winner, and Wealdstone's fans had spilled onto the pitch after they had scored. "After the game in the dressing room Danny told us we'd get a second chance. That football always gives you a chance to right a wrong, and that we'd be coming back here in the play-offs to do just that. You could sense they weren't just words for show. He was convinced. Regardless of the possible permutations of the games between then and the play-off's; he told us it was going to happen. The players and coaching staff believed it. And it happened."

Concord travelled to Wealdstone for the play-off semi final as predicted by Danny Cowley and won 2-1 in extra time "It was almost surreal. He'd already predicted it. He'd stood in front of all of us back in March and told us what was going to happen. The man's a footballing freak. He decides on what's going to happen and makes it happen." That day back in 2013 is still fresh in Miki Hood's as he re-told me the story of those Wealdstone encounters.

Danny Cowley and Concord then found themselves in a play-off final away to Lowestoft for a place in the Conference South.  This was unheard of for a team the size of Concord Rangers. Of course under Cowley Concord won and one of the goalscorer's on the day Steve King think's that win was one of Cowley's greatest achievements at the club "That play-off final win against Lowestoft stands out for me. We always tended to be underdogs against any opposition as we are such a small club compared to the others and we were never a bigger underdog than in that game. We had been beaten significantly every time we had played there, but Danny instilled a belief in the boys that it was our time and against all the odds we gained promotion. He is an excellent man-manager and can get the best out of his players."

So the 2013/2014 saw Concord Rangers playing in the Conference South for the first time in the club's history. They were dead-certs for relegation in a league which contained clubs such as Dover, Eastleigh, Bromley and Boreham Wood.  Again Cowley defied expectations and led Concord to a creditable ninth place finish.  They finished eight points away from the play-offs. A remarkable performance.  A great season in the league was topped off with Concord winning the Essex Senior Cup beating Conference side Braintree in the final. This was to be the first of three consecutive Essex Senior Cup's that Concord would win (2 under Cowley, and 1 under current manager Adam Flanagan).

The following season and what was to be Cowley's last in charge of Concord, Danny was joined by his brother Nicky in the dug-out as Nicky became Danny's Assistant Manager.  This was also the season I first turned up at Concord and I saw how Danny and Nicky dovetailed each other in the dug-out. Whilst Danny was on touchline driving his side on, cajoling and berating his players at times, Nicky was more studious. He had his ring-binder of set-pieces and formations to be used during the game. Again no stone was being left un-turned. To stand next to the Cowley's in the dug-out was an education in man-management and tactical awareness. But why do the Cowley's work together so well? "They both have the same beliefs in life and of what they want for football. I would say a key factor is there is still that element that brothers have, where they push each other and are not afraid to say what they think to each other or have a row. I'm pretty sure they disagree plenty of times on things behind closed doors, but when it comes to being in front of the players they're 100% focused and together, with a positive mindset to get the job done." was Danny Scopes answer when the question was raised.

Cowley's final season would thrust the club in the public eye as Concord reached the FA Cup 1st Round for the first time in their history. They pulled out League 2 Mansfield Town away from home in the draw.  Concord travelled to Field Mill and didn't disgrace themselves. In fact they excelled. They drew 1-1 at their league opponents and in the replay at the Aspect Arena lost by one goal to nil.  Now Cowley was appearing on other club's radars and it came as no surprise that Danny and his brother left the club at the end of the 2014/2015 to join National League Braintree Town.

That season at Braintree was another rung up a highly successful ladder for the Cowley's as they led part-time Braintree to the National League play-offs and only narrowly lost to Grimsby Town on aggregate.

As Lincoln gain plenty of admirers in Non-League football and beyond for their football, there is no doubt that the future is bright for the Cowley's and who know's what level they could end up at - "As far as I'm concerned the sky's the limit for them both. The only thing that could possibly stop them managing at the very top level is that they weren't household names as players. I find that sad and hope very much that they break the mould and genuinely believe they can manage at Championship level and then...who knows" said Steve King who is probably better to judge than a lot of us having played under Cowley for seven years.

There is an immense feeling of pride with everyone connected at Concord Rangers to see the Cowley's do so well for themselves, and maybe the final word should be with Danny Scopes who was there at the start of Danny Cowley's remarkable journey back in 2007 "I was never in any doubt from the first moment we worked together at Concord Rangers, that they (Danny and Nicky) would go on and be successful in management at non-league level. I think their rise in value from what they did at Braintree last year has really made people stand up and take notice and that has carried on at Lincoln, as we all expected once they got the job. When you watch Lincoln City play, you know you're watching a Cowley team play, and it's great to see."

Concord Rangers - One Year On.

It pull's you in.  It's infectious.  What is that I hear you ask?  It's the Concord Rangers spirit and it can't be explained.  I've been following the Beachboys for a year now, and I bloody love them.  I didn't expect it to happen when I turned up a year ago wanting to interview people at the club. I thought 'well I'll have a nice day here, write a piece and bugger off" - that didn't happen.  I was made so welcome by everyone from the chairman down to the programme editor, I couldn't just walk away...so I didn't.

So one year what has changed?  Well the manager has left, half the team which played on that cold January afternoon has moved on...but do you know something Concord still find themselves roughly in the same league position.  So on one hand loads has changed, but on the other nothing has changed.  Concord are still holding their own and rubbing dirt in the faces of their so called "bigger rivals."

Concord always find themselves at the prey of these "bigger rivals" but the club will not be denied.  Two weeks ago their best defender this season Adam Bailey-Dennis was snapped up by Hemel Hempstead, 24 hours before a key match away to Bath City. Adam was a rock in that defence, that's why Hemel signed him. He was winning the player of the season award, well he was in my head. Now the initial reaction when you see that news filter through is "Oh for fuck's sake." It's human nature.   Let's think of a parallel, it's like Winston Reid joining Liverpool a day before West Ham play Everton away.  It's a kick in the teeth.  Most teams would crumble. Not Concord.  They only bloody won at Bath and they kept a clean sheet.  There it is again that spirit.  You can't buy it, it's just ingrained as soon as you walk through the door.

But what make's that spirit?  It's everyone involved.  Concord is one big family. You've got Jayne cooking up a variety of meals for the players and staff, (I won't mention the quality) then there is Tony and Brian at the gate always making everyone welcome come rain or shine. First impressions count and if you've got a miserable sod at the gate when you walk in well you might think about not coming back. That's just a few of them, but you've got unsung people doing loads of jobs not just on a matchday but during the week making things tick - Cliff, Toby, Jack Jnr, Chris...the list goes on and on.  Everyone is pulling in the right direction...how can we make the club enjoyable for everyone? Of course results matter on the football pitch, but Concord Rangers is much more than that 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.

There have been up's and down's along the way in the year I've followed the club. Danny Cowley who impressed me so much with his management style on my first day at the club has moved onto manage Braintree Town.  Danny won't stop at Braintree, he's going higher and it was great to share time with him, in what I'm sure he will look back fondly on when he's famous "as a great time at Concord". Tony Stokes who was always happy to chat after a game, and made me feel like I'd known him years.  It was a sad day when I interviewed him after he had confirmed his move to local rivals Canvey Island.  The club-house isn't the same without his little son Chase kicking a ball around.  But like life, non-league football moves on fast.

The love of Concord has always led to me sponsoring a player this season, and I like to think that there is no coincidence that Steve Cawley is having one of his best goal-scoring seasons due to me sponsoring his kit.  I can't wait to be thanked when he win's the golden boot in the league!

For a freelance writer like myself, a non-league club is a godsend.  I encourage any budding writers to knock on the door of their local team.  You'll be surprised how much they're willing to let you do.  In the last year, I've interviewed every player in the squad, in fact some of them a couple of times.  These players are dying to be interviewed (well I like to think so!) I've found out so much about them and their lives away from the football pitch.  Could I call them friends, I like to think so.
Now at home games I find myself in the press box doing match reports for the official club website, I'm living out my teenage dreams.  I'm very thankful to everyone at the club for making me so welcome.

#YAMC

Concord Rangers - The Fans Eye View

Having spoken to a number of players and management staff about what it means to play/work for Concord Rangers, I felt it was time to get to the heartbeat of any football club and speak to the fans about what Concord Rangers means to them.

I spoke with the following, and we discussed a variety of subjects, some spoke more than others. Also Steve King's arse does not come out well in this chat...

Interviewees

Andy Smith (AS), Alan Jessop-Peacock (AJP), Gary Bracci (GB), Mark Tate (MT) and Lewis Pack (LP).

What does supporting Concord Rangers mean to you?

(AS) - I was invited over to do some media work a few years ago and this soon turned into something much bigger, I've had the privilege of training with these guys, going on nights out, and turning the bus into a nightclub with Miki as the DJ on the way home from away games! I'm having such a laugh being involved even if it's just taking a few match pictures, filming a few games and helping do some website work.  It's a great club with great people involved and with that said it manes a hell of a lot be involved, it's something other clubs cannot offer.

(AJP) - It's all about being a part of the club, not just a number in the stands like I feel when I go to see West Ham, but actually being a part of Concord Rangers as a whole.  You feel like you're part of something bigger, and can actually contribute to the success of the club.  I started watching Concord nearly 6 seasons ago on a whim, now they're the main focus of my weekend!

(GB) - Supporting Concord means a hell of a lot me.  I started supporting the team after becoming disillusioned with the way Southend United were handling their financial affairs, the new stadium that has been going on for about 10 years, and the way the majority of the team was made up of loanees rather than contracted players, this coincided with the ridiculous stranglehold Sky have over the Premier League which effectively has ruined the national team, it's probably safe to say I was losing my passion for the game as a whole.  That was until I started watching Concord, I'm not the first person to say it and certainly won't be the last in that when you go to Thames Road just a handful of times you can see what the club means to everyone there and just by giving continued support you become part of the club and not just a body through the turnstile.  Players, management, coaches, chairman and committee members recognise the support and all go out of their way to keep the welcoming feeling that surrounds the club.

(MT) - Quite simply for me, it's two words.  Pride and passion.

(LP) - It means an awful lot! The club is like another family whenever you go to watch a game.  Since I've been able to go to most games a couple of years ago I have been so welcomed by everyone at the club from the fans, the committee, management and players which makes it a joy to go to every week.

What has been the highlight of supporting Concord Rangers so far?

(AS) - Being sat pitch-side taking pictures at the Ryman Play off final vs Lowestoft, no-one can describe the pandemonium at the full time whistle and sitting there with a camera pointing at the dug-out ready for the celebrations to start was amazing. 3000 odd fans were there that day, and the noise at full-time was incredible.

(AJP) - The promotion season, well more specifically the Ryman Premier Play-off Final vs Lowestoft. Our second game of the season was a trip to Lowestoft on a Tuesday night that we lost 4-1, I remember the coach journey home being long and really downbeat, but little did we know we'd be back in the last game of the season to win promotion! The day of the final was incredible, finally beating them after a run of losses home & away over the previous season. The atmosphere was awesome and celebrating on the pitch at full time with the lads was an experience I'll never forget.

(GB) - For me I've only been supporting the club for 4 seasons, and only been a regular for 3 of those, but without a doubt the highlight has to be winning promotion from the Ryman Premier League against a team who on aggregate had pretty much annihilated us (Lowestoft).  I know the committee will probably have bigger highlights from the earlier years but in my time here that play-off final was beyond measurement when you look at the size of Concord, one of the favourites to be relegated and had the smallest budget in the league.  That season and day in particular will forever be spoken about, when you look at it's ridiculous what has been achieved so far.

(MT) - Getting to the 1st round of the FA Cup, without a doubt.

(LP) - Obviously promotion from the Ryman Premier into the Conference South was a massive achievement for the club but I wasn't able to be there on the day, so for a game I've been to it has to be the away game at Mansfield this year in the FA Cup.  It was such a special night for everyone associated with the club and to take a league club to a replay have chances to win the game was superb.  People started realising who Concord were finally!!

What was the match of last season for you?

(AS) - Everyone was slating our pitch, and to be fair it was in a bad way after a load of games and some bad weather, but the way we destroyed Farnborough at home 7-0, some of the football was top class, with some brilliant goals scored.

(AJP) - The first round proper of the FA Cup away at Mansfield.  The original game was postponed due to the waterlogged pitch whilst I was in New York, so I was able to actually get to the re-arranged fixture and see the lads in the most high profile game in the clubs history.  The support we had on that Tuesday night wasn't the biggest, but we were the loudest by far, the players all put in one hell of a  shift and earning the draw was an impressive result.  The replay may have had 1500 people at Thames Road, but that Tuesday nigh trip to Mansfield was something special.

(GB) - Now there's a tricky one, the 4-2 win against Wealdstone was big for me as we have developed somewhat of a rivalry against them and they are always a tough team to beat.  The FA Cup win against St Albans to send us into the 1st round proper for the first time in the clubs history was huge, again in the FA Cup the 1-1 draw with Mansfield was massive as it brought a lot of attention to the club from around the country and in truth Mansfield were lucky to get away with a draw, my point is proven when their own supporters were saying how much they enjoyed watching us play and gave the team a standing ovation at the final whistle - spine tingling moment that was.  For me though the highlight was retaining the Essex Senior Cup in a performance that blew Billericay away.  I was nervous leading up to the game something that I rarely feel with Concord, and the club had just missed out on a play-off spot after losses you started to wonder if the players were in the right frame of mind to play such a final, it seems they were more up for it than expected!

(MT) - That's a tough question, as there have been so many.  Personally for me I'd go for us beating Bromley at their place 2-1, especially when the week before we had lost 4-1 to them at home.

(LP) - You can take your pick out of so many last season! The Mansfield game, the Essex Cup win, and the 6-2 win away at Barnet in the FA Trophy.  That was a fantastic night! Not many people would have ever called that result when the draw was made.  But for me the away win at Havant on a cold Tuesday night in January and the home win against Ebbsfleet were great games for the club.  There are certain people and clubs which don't think Concord should be competing in this league, but those two wins showed no matter the size of the opposition, Concord can compete and get results!

What player sums up the Concord Rangers spirit (past or present)?

(AS) - That's a tough one, I'm going to say Lewis Taaffe, his work-rate is exceptional.  He's had a couple of knocks but keeps running his socks off, and that's what everyone likes in a player, someone who works so hard for the team.

(AJP) - I have a feeling most will say Nicky Cowley here, but I'm going to throw a curveball and say Steve King.  The ginger meathead is loyal to a fault, and will continue to put in 100% week after week.  The fact that he's a fireman and regularly misses/loses sleep etc to ensure he gets to games, highlights his dedication to the cause.  He's solid at the back, adds an important goal or two with that meat-head at set pieces, he's a constant at the club, always coming back harder after missing a game through injury etc.

(GB) - I think there are many players who warrant a lot of credit to how Concord have progressed and it is them who have set the tone for how the club operates, but for me there are two players that come to my mind in particular:
Stokesy - the guy bleeds Concord colours and leads by example, calm head and will never give anything but 100% in training or a match.
Nicky Cowley - ferocious on the pitch in which the passion he had for the club rubbed off onto other players around him.  I remember him screaming at Leon Gordon for not getting back into position quick enough after the ball had gone out for the oppositions free kick, that was Nicky all over, he expected full on commitment from the first whistle to the last.

(MT) - Two for me, past and present.  Nicky Cowley with his never say die attitude, he just gave it his all.  Presently it's Alex Woodyard, he's got a great match-awareness and also runs his socks off.

(LP) - I think this is very hard to be able to give to one player, as every player comes to the club and buys into the spirit of the team, and that spirit is throughout the club!

What is your favourite Concord Rangers goal?

(AS) - Taylor Miles vs Chelmsford City no doubt about it.

(AJP) - Ben Greenhalgh's free kick in the Ryman League Cup Final vs Dulwich Hamlet.  I remember being behind the goal, and I think it was Jack Jnr who said "this is going in". He wasn't wrong either, Ben hit it so cleanly, the free kick was an absolute peach, sailed into the net and sent us all into raptures behind the goal!

(GB) - My favourite goal? I've got a list of em!!
Ben Greenhalgh's free kick against Dulwich was a beaut.
Cawley's chip against Weston Super Mare was delightful.
Stokesy's goal against Maidenhead was class.
Taylor Miles' volley versus Chelmsford...stunning!

(MT) - It's got be Leon Gordon's winning goal in the play off final against Lowestoft, what a day that was.

(LP) - In terms of quality it has to be Taylor Miles goal against Chelmsford last season, work commitments meant I couldn't watch it live, but after seeing numerous videos, I couldn't stop watching it. It was a moment of pure quality.

What player are you hoping has a big season next season?

(AS) - Tony Stokes.  He's not had the best of luck with injuries in the last couple of seasons, but now he's got himself in great shape and is fitter than he's been in 3 years.  I really hope he has a good season and bangs a few more goals in.  He has always scored important goals for us and I really hope that continues, well if he isn't injured with a sore toe nail!

(AJP) - Stokesy.  After injury affected him in our first Conference South season, and last year's lack of first team action behind Taaffe and Cawley, it's about time we see the club captain start the season well and notch up the goals we know he can contribute to the side.  Tony's a senior member of this side now, and will want to lead from the front, we know he can do it, and I hope this season is a big one for him.

(GB) - Tony Stokes simple as that, he was a frustrated figure last season spending a lot of time on the bench.  Danny Cowley didn't seem to consider Stokesy to be capable of being a starter but as a manager you have to make bold decisions and at the end of the day regardless whether it pleases some and upsets others, Danny is a bloody good manager who helped make last season Concord's best ever.  But now there's a new manager and new coach which gives players a fresh start of claiming a place in the team, Stokesy is a proven goalscorer who plays for his team-mates, and his performance in the Essex Senior Cup was typical of him, he grumbled a bit last year, so if he's going to be a starter he needs to put to bed last year's personal disappointments.

(MT) - It would be great to see our new keeper Conor Gough have a great season between the sticks.

(LP) - Stop asking questions, I can't nail down to one player! I can think of a few players who will be looking to have a big season for different reasons.  Stokesy will be looking for an injury free season, and hoping to get some goals.  I'll be interested in seeing Ben Greenhalgh back, I think he could be a key player with a point to prove to Maidstone.  I think Kingy can have a big season for us also, losing Matt Fry and Jack Lampe are massive losses, but I have can see Kingy having a great season and leading us through some key moments.

Saying all that, what are realistic ambitions for Concord Rangers this season?

(AS) - I hope we can get to where we finished last season and fight for a top 8 finish.  I've been over training a few times watching and the players that have come in all look great additions, and I'm sure Adam and Jody will get the best out of everyone and get that winning mentality out of everyone involved in the club.

(AJP) - I think the Essex Senior Cup is within our reach again, it's a cup that we have shown we can win, and providing we focus on it as we have in previous seasons I don't see why we can't make it 3 in a row.  As for the league, I think we first look to stay up, then when that looks safe, we aim for the top half of the table.  Play-offs would be great, but I won't get ahead of myself there!

(GB) - This will bore most football fans at Concord and of opposition clubs, but as always the main priority for this club os to secure their place at this level again, it can take 3,4 or even 5 years to establish yourself in a league that we on paper shouldn't be in.  How on earth do you improve on last season, with the club as small as it is! Personally I would love to see us go one round further in the FA Cup, but the dream would be the 3rd round!  A realistic but extremely difficult challenge would be to win the FA Trophy at Wembley, I don't think that is a goal too far but as I say it would take some going to get there.  Realistically a top half finish is achievable and ultimately above all that is the main target.

(MT) - Sadly I don't think we will finish near where we did last season, but to be in the top 12 in the league would be great.

(LP) - I think it will be hard to achieve the league position that we did last season just due to the size and money of some of the clubs coming into the league, there are some massive clubs! I think a top half finish, reaching the 1st round of the FA Cup, a nice run in the FA Trophy and hopefully another good run in the Essex Cup will be a good season!!

Right last question let's have some fun!  If you were stuck on a desert island with a Concord player, who would you NOT want it to be and why?

(AS) - Probably Steve Cawley, because he will not shut up about missing one of his goals on video, and I'm sure if I was alone with him he'd bang on about it even more and probably make us re-create it on the beach.  He says it was a good goal but I'm not so sure, he's the King of the tap in and his goal away at Whitehawk didn't even touch the net.

(AJP) - To be fair I wouldn't want to be stuck on a desert island with any of the lads, I wouldn't want to be stuck on a desert island at all!  But if I have to pick one to avoid, I'd say James White.  The big-man is good at a wind-up, decent with the banter and abuse, and if it's just me and him on an island I'd get the hassle non-stop! I can handle a bit, you don't last 5 minutes at this club if you can't, but being the main focus of it all for however long we're stuck there? No thanks!

(GB) - It's not a player I dread to be stuck on an island with, it's a member of the backroom staff - Gary Ewers.  Seriously I'd be forever looking over my shoulder wondering what prank he's going to pull off next.  He has the ability to kill you with one line in a slanging match and to sum him up in one word - nuisance!

(MT) - Here we go feet first...sorry Steve King it's you, due to that farty bum on the coach on away games, the smell is bad. I couldn't handle that on a desert island, no way.

(LP) - It probably would be Kingy.  After being near him on the team coach all year to games, the smells that come from his direction are far from nice to be around! He also sleeps a lot, so you would end up being on a desert island on your own most of the time!

An Interview with ... Danny Clare

Concord Rangers have had some exceptional goalkeepers over the last few seasons, and instrumental to all that is goalkeeping coach Danny Clare.

In what is often an unsung role, the art of being a good goalkeeping coach is just not about practicing saves, but developing the mindset and concentration of a goalkeeper.

I spoke with Danny about goalkeeping coaching, being a goalkeeper himself and what was his biggest clanger.

Did you ever have trials at a professional level?  Did you always want to be a goalkeeper growing up?

I  played for Watford and spent some of my school holidays staying in digs and training with the first team, it was a great experience but for one reason or another it never worked out for me.  When I left school, I also had trials elsewhere but again these come to nothing.  To be honest, I actually started my footballing career by playing out on pitch, but the team I played for never had a regular goalkeeper.  One week I had actually played a match for my older brother's team earlier in the day, so the manager said go in goal and have a rest...I never conceded a goal and I never looked back from there!

So did you have a goalkeeping idol growing up?

Yeah I did, and it has to be Ray Clemence, and I don't think Liverpool have had a better keeper since.  I loved it when he signed for Spurs, as my brother was playing for them at the time and I got to watch him train and play loads!!

How long have you been at Concord as a player/reserve team manager/keeper coach?

I had two spells at Concord as a player in our first season in the Essex Senior League in 1991/1992, and then I came back and played when my good friend Steve Knott was gaffer.
I was reserve team manager for a couple of seasons, I started helping out the reserve team manager in Dan's (Cowley) first season with Scopesy in 2007/2008.  I then took over as manager the following season, and the reserves were moved into the Capital league on Wednesday nights, so that allowed me to start coaching the keepers which was what I always wanted to do.

Who has been the best goalkeeper you've coached?

So far I would say Josh Vickers, it was a great opportunity to work with a full time pro and get his feedback from my coaching.  I also enjoy coaching the youngsters and in the group I have at the moment there's a young lad called Tommy Woodcock, he has great potential.  He is a natural who just lives and breathes goalkeeping and is a joy to work with.

Is goalkeeping coaching more about the psychology than the actual keeper coaching?  I always feel that any goalkeeper can make saves, but it's their concentration which is key.

I would say that and fitness, as you say must people can put a pair of gloves on and make a few saves, it's when you haven't been involved in long spells of the game and your called upon to make a game changing save then it's down to how switched on you are and how quick you can react to that situation.  So from my coaching, if you can give the goalkeeper confidence in their ability and the right levels of fitness to react, then more often or not they will make that save.

Stepping back to your time as reserve team manager...is it something you would consider doing again?

I have to say I enjoyed it immensely, especially the second season when we moved into the Capital League as I got to take the squad players who didn't play on the Tuesday, and the odd trialist.  It is something I would consider doing again, but as long as it didn't interfere with my goalkeeping coaching.

You've been involved with Concord for a long time, what is the appeal of the club?

The people at the club are a massive part of it whether there involved with the team, committee or watching.  Everyone pulls in the same direction, and has the best interests of the club at heart.

How much are you looking forward to working under the new management team?

Adam (Flanagan) did a great job at Brentwood taking them from relegation favourites to promotion, and I have heard nothing but good things about Jody (Brown), so I am very much looking forward to working with them and helping them create another great side at Concord.

You've done some pretty epic endurance events.  Have you always been interested in that kind of thing?  Do you have anymore on the horizon?

Yeah I love pushing myself!  The mountains were great fun, but it hurt like hell! I did the 24hr 3 peak challenge with 6 other goalkeepers....who says we're all mad haha!!
I've applied to do the London marathon again so hopefully I will get in, but a cycling challenge has always interested me, so something like London to Paris or even a triathlon!

Bloody hell...do you actually unwind and relax?

Oh yes, there's always time for that, I love spending time with my family and friends.

Right let's end up with a question about goalkeeping.  What is the greatest save you've ever made?

Oh there's too many to remember...next question!

Ok, what is the biggest clanger!

Oh that's easy, and I'm sure someone on the committee has prompted this question haha!  Ok...I was playing for Concord in a pre-qualifying round of the FA Cup against Haringey. We had a throw on, and the full back wanted to throw it back to me, it wasn't on but he still did it...I controlled it and tried to kick it as far as I could, but the forward had closed me down, he jumped turning his back at the same time, so the ball hits him on the arse and flew into the top corner!  That made the score 5-0 so it had no bearing on the game, however unfortunately for  me we were the only FA Cup game playing that weekend, so Sky Sports were there with the cameras.  They showed it on Sky Sports News and the presenter signed of the clip by saying poor old Danny Clare, which as you can imagine the team lived off that for months, even to the extent of playing it on a loop down the club for the whole Sunday lunchtime with most of the team in attendance, still to this day I get called poor old Danny Clare lol!!

An Interview with ... Adam Flanagan

It's not long until preparations for the 2015/2016 season start and I grabbed some time with Adam Flanagan, before he begins his first season in charge of Concord Rangers...

What does it mean to you personally to be the manager of Concord Rangers?

Being honest, it still hasn't sunk in yet and I don't think it will until pre-season gets underway.  I feel I have been bestowed with a great honour getting this position (especially with the calibre of the other applicants) and it is one I intend to do well in.

But then, how difficult was it for you to leave Brentwood Town, especially after the successful season you just had?

It was extremely difficult to leave Brentwood as I came into the club when they were second from bottom and through difficult times we managed to get the club promoted.

How was that accomplished?

It was down to a huge collective effort from the management team and players, and a very strong bond was formed.  This ultimately I feel was the reason behind the success and the togetherness we had amongst each other, was very difficult to break away from.
I know the Brentwood players wish me well, as I do them and we all know that in football sometimes opportunities to manage or play for fantastic club don't come along, so when they do you have to take them which is what I have done.

Speaking of successful seasons, Concord have just had the best season in their history.  Is the challenge to replicate that, or would that be asking too much in your 1st season in charge?

No pressure then!! haha
As a manager I am not one to say publicly what I feel my teams may be able to achieve - I keep this between the management team and the players.  I feel this helps to grow the togetherness within the camp which we then take out on the pitch together.  I'm a strong believer that if you put targets in place then you can sometimes get lost becoming too focused on achieving them.  The ultimate aim is to put a strong squad together (which I feel we are doing) and then focus each week on the matches we are due to play with the aim to be prepared and in a position to win every game.  This way there are no limits to what we can or can't achieve and come the end of the season we will ultimately be where we deserve to be.  Tasting success last year was great and is something I definitely want to happen again.

How do you like your sides to play?

I think the style of play is ultimately dictated by the players you have, so myself and Jody will look at the players and come up with a style that best suits the squad and places us in the best position to win.  Characteristics of my teams will be team togetherness, hard work and a never say die attitude which have to be in place if we want to be successful.

Under Danny Cowley, Concord were a very hardworking side and a lot of the players talk about adding that 1% to the game which the opposition have not considered.  Is that something you're looking to maintain, or maybe you're willing to let the players be more creative?

Hard work is a must for me, and there is no truer saying than - Hard work will always beat talent, if talent doesn't work hard.  We will have talented players in our squad so we must make sure our levels of effort on the pitch are to a very high level. In truth I will be looking to put my own thoughts and beliefs into the team/squad which will be new, but generally I feel through my time playing that I know what it takes to win things and that a lot of what Danny believed in, I do too.  So there won't be fundamental changes, just little tweaks here and there, which hopefully as an overall will have a noticeable improvement.

You've added to the squad with four new players so far.  What can each of these lads add to the team?

The new players that have come to the club are coming for football reasons, which as a manager is a big plus.  In Conor, Tom and Sam we have young footballers who want to test themselves at the highest level.  With Max we have a more experienced midfielder who has Conference Premier experience and an eye for goal.

So tell me a little bit more about each of new guys, as I'm sure the fans would like to hear more.

Conor Gough - Comes to us as a young player of the year at Grays - He has had a taste of the professional game with contracts at Charlton and Bristol Rovers.  After a successful campaign at Grays he now wants to challenge himself at our level.

Tom Stephen - Tom has been captain of East Thurrock.  Widely respected as one of the best left backs at Ryman Premier level, and similar to Conor wants to test himself at Conference South level.

Sam Bantick - Sam over the last weekend was selected in the team of the year for the Ryman North.  He was also my manager's player of the year at Brentwood, having scored 18 goals and over 30 assists.  Very enthusiastic young player who will give everything for the team.

Max Cornhill - Max is an attacking central midfielder - He comes to the club from East Thurrock having joined them at the latter part of last season from Dartford where he had played over 60 games scoring 8 goals.

How key to Concord's success will be your relationship with Jody Brown?  What was the reasoning behind bringing him to the club?

If you want to be successful at anything it is critical that you have a strong management team, so my relationship with Jody will be very important.  Jody and myself are both young and hungry for success and in Concord we see a club who has the same ambition to match that of our own.
When I took the role I looked at my areas of weakness and I felt these were player knowledge base and level of coaching. I felt confident from speaking to Ryman league teams and that after a season at Conference South Level I would be ok, but I needed someone who would know Conference South and Conference Premier players.  I was aware that Jody was out of football and that he had been interviewed for the managers position along with me.  My dealings with Jody on numerous occasions whilst at Brentwood had always gone well and I felt he fitted the criteria that I was looking for.
He has managed at every level of non-league and so he has good player knowledge. He also gained a reputation as being an extremely good coach so he was a prime candidate for me.  Jody is coming to Concord hungry having not been given the opportunities he was hoping for at Welling - he has good links to several professional clubs, so he met the criteria I had set.
I won't lie, I didn't think he would come so I was really pleased when he accepted my offer of Assistant Manager and First team coach.  As I've said we're both young and hungry, and I feel confident we will learn and develop over the upcoming season.

What are you looking to get from the pre-season games, is it a chance to get your ideas across to the squad?

Pre-season will be about Jody and myself seeing what we have in the squad.  While we know most of the players, it is nothing like being in around them and seeing first hand the attributes they have.  I expect pre-season to highlight areas of strength and weakness which we will review, but more importantly for me as you said it is a time where we can start to get over our ideas to the squad.

What players in the Concord squad are you particularly looking to work with?

In truth the answer is all of them - every player has to play their role - whether they are starting or having to wait to get into the starting shirt.  At this level I do not believe you can have just a strong 11, you need to have a strong 16/17 and this squad only becomes strong if the players on the bench are pushing those that are playing, and those that are playing then push themselves to stay in the starting 11. I wouldn't have a player in our squad if I didn't feel they had something to offer.

Concord have a small following of fans, however they are very loyal.  Do you have any message for them for the upcoming season?

My message to the fans would be to continue supporting the team as they have always done.  As a player I can tell you having a vocal crowd offering support can make such a difference at this level.  As a management team we will be working hard to put together a strong squad which we will hope will enhance further the attributes they have come to expect from a Concord player.  Changes may occur but we will not lose our identity as this is key to Concord and what makes this club very unique.

An Interview with ... Jody Brown

Concord Rangers have certainly got a coup in bringing in Jody Brown as Assistant Manager for the 2015/2016 season.  Jody has coached/managed at all non-league levels from Step 6 to Step 1.

Jody has recently been manager at Welling in the Conference Premier, and prior to that was managing at Grays and Heybridge Swifts.

Before the start of the season, I spoke to Jody about what he hopes to bring to Concord Rangers and his aims for next season.

What does the role of Assistant Manager mean to you, and how do you see your relationship with Adam Flanagan working?

I've been an Assistant Manager before and really enjoyed it.  Myself and Adam bring different qualities to the club.  I'm comfortable on the training ground, I enjoy recruitment, and preparing the team tactically.  Hopefully I've aided players development over the years, and in this role I can focus on those elements.
That will allow Adam to manage the club the way he wants to, and hopefully build on the great year he has had at Brentwood Town.

Are you aiming to bounce back from your time at Welling, and have you learned any lessons from your brief time there?

I've learned as much as you can in two months, but I guess the real lessons relate to the type of job to take, and the circumstances to take them in.  Whilst also remembering to do things your way, and not be led by the previous regime, sentiment, or good will, cause ultimately your judged on results.
Those that know the ins and outs of my Welling Utd experience will know it's not quite how it may seem.  I was surprised by so many aspects of the set up there. However the games against Forest Green, Macclesfield and Aldershot, all away from home were good tests tactically and great experience for me to take into the future.

How aware have you been of Concord's rise through the non-league pyramid?

I've been very much aware over the last couple of years.  I had the opportunity to join Danny Cowley's management team a few years back, but felt we were on the verge of a special season at Maldon & Tiptree.  So of course I've watched the progress since and been impressed, particularly with how the players have evolved and manage to step up to each new challenge.

Obviously you and Adam have big shoes to fill, and how conscious are you of that?

Danny did a great job, but he had a long time to develop a squad and an infrastructure.  That can't be done overnight, but Adam's very positive, and I feel I have something positive to offer to.  Although we all realise that the transition will take time, and won't be without obstacles.  However, players win football matches, and if the squad can be kept together and improved, I'm sure progress can continue.

I note that you have extensive coaching experience at all levels of the game, where did this love of coaching come from?

I coached as a teenager as fun, then following my second leg break, I started doing more and more until it became apparent that my coaching career could take me much further than my playing career.  I'm glad I made that choice as I've had the privilege of working with some top professionals, as well as some excellent young players.

How did your first coaching experience materialise?

I was doing my badges, and helping out with my local Sunday side, which went really well, and led to a managerial opportunity at Tiptree Utd in the Eastern Counties league, and latterly a coaching role at Colchester Utd.

Describe the feeling of improving a player's game from coaching.  How does that feel to you?

I've always enjoyed that aspect of my job, and take great pride in their progress and successes, even after they've moved on.  It's a little like parenthood in that you always care about their well being and progress even after they've left home.  Joe Gardner, Tom Stephen and Conor Gough are examples of that, and it's great to get the chance to work with them again here.

What coaches/managers do you admire?  Do you try to model yourself on one of them, or do you try to have your own ideas?

I don't really model myself on anyone.  I'm a strong believer in having your own identity, but learning from everyone around you.  I admired Phil Parkinson's winning mentality when he was at Colchester, and Joe Dunne's work ethic in terms of research and preparation at the same club.  I'm a fan of Arsene Wenger's philosophy and player development, but Mourinho is the one we all have to follow.  He seems to have it all, and even his haters have to admire his ability to build a team and win trophies.

How keen are you on the season starting, and what are realistic ambitions for Concord this season?

I'm enjoying my break from the game, but it's going to be exciting to start a new season, set new goals, play in the FA Cup again, and work with a group of players that I hear so many positive things about.
I don't think now is the right time to talk about expectations, I'm just looking forward to playing my small part in the club's continued progress on and off the field.

An Interview with ... Sam Bantick

35 starts.
18 goals.
26 assists.

Whatever level of football, that is an amazing season.

Well that's what Sam Bantick did in the 2014/2015 for Brentwood Town.  Once Brentwood manager Adam Flanagan moved onto Concord Rangers to replace the departed Danny Cowley, Sam's impressive form made him a cert to join Adam at Concord.

As Sam gears himself up for pre-season training with Concord, I asked him what was the main reason he joined the Beach Boys

"I think the main reason I signed for Concord was I worked with Adam (Flanners) last season, and I've just had my best season in football with him.  I think in football all you want is an honest manager with a passion for winning games and he's definitely got both of those.
Concord seems like a really ambitious football club with good things happening there all the time, and everyone has been really welcoming."

So what can the Concord fans expect from you, what kind of player are you?

I like to play on either wing, I'm not really fussed as to what side.  My real strengths are that I'm always direct and positive, looking to make things happen.
I also like playing behind the front man in the number 10 role, but Flanners will probably disagree with that!

What do you feel you can add to this Concord team?

It's hard to say what I could add to the team as it could take time, I just like getting the ball to feet and being able to get at my man, so hopefully assists and goals!
Let me just say, If I'm on the pitch I will try to make something positive happen, and that's a promise!!

I like it...good positive stuff! So who were your idols growing up, who do you base your game on?

Definitely Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, they were both unbelievable players, who could always make an impact in the game even when they were playing bad.

Do you see yourself as a combination of those two?

Haha I wished, if I was a combination of those two I would be playing in the Premier League!  I just like to think that whenever I'm involved in the game, I'm looking to make a positive impact and that's probably the only similarity.

You had a great season at Brentwood last year, how difficult was it to leave?

God yeah leaving Brentwood was a really hard decision to make.  The bond we had in that changing room got us through the season, some of the football we played at times wasn't pretty to say the least, but I think our team spirit won us a lot of games.  However saying all that, joining Concord is a massive opportunity for me and everyone at the club understands that and have all been really good about it.

Would you have joined Concord, if Adam Flanagan was not in charge?

Yes I probably would have still joined, even if Flanners didn't get the job.  Concord play in a higher league than Brentwood and I've always said I want to try and play as high as possible.  Like I said earlier Concord are a really ambitious club with huge potential and a lot of good people at the club....I'm just buzzing for the season to start now!

That's great to hear, what about away from football, is there anything else you like doing?

I like to think I can play a bit of golf, but I'm a fair weather golfer who only plays when the weather's decent.

Not very often then, in this country! So what is your handicap then?

Well it used to be 14, but I just hadn't played for a long time so it's probably something like 28 now!!

Did you have any nicknames at Brentwood ... keep it clean please!

Well obviously there is "Bano" and sometimes I get called "Brains" as well.

Is that ironic or are you really clever?

I definitely consider myself brainy, but most of the boys at Brentwood would disagree haha!

Young, hungry, positive, looking to improve.  Sam appears the identikit Concord Rangers player.  2015/2016 could be a great season for Sam Bantick and Concord Rangers.