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.

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

An Interview with ... Jayne Sisley (aka Jayney Moobag!)

I've spent the last six months interviewing Concord Rangers players, coaches and the Chairman but this is the one you've all wanted to read about.

Jayne Sisley is the soul and heartbeat of the club, especially on a match day.  You won't believe how much she does on a Saturday.

I was warned before the interview by Jayne herself that she talks too much, and she didn't disappoint.

I started off our interview and asked Jayne how she got involved with the club.


I used to watch my son play for the under 7's then one day we were mucking around in the bar, and I went behind the bar, to do an impression of Peggy Mitchell.  I must of been good, because the next day I got offered a job as a barmaid....I hadn't worked behind a bar in my life, but I gave it a go.
I ended up being barmaid for seven years, then the bar manager got sacked for doing naughty things and Ant offered me the job as club manageress.  I never forget his words "if you're the 3rd person I catch doing naughty things, I will find you and break your legs.  So do you want the job?!" I've now been manageress for the last seven years, and I still have my own legs haha

What for you is the best part of being involved with Concord Rangers?

Oh the best part without a doubt is the people; my bar staff, players, management, supporters...even the Chairman...sometimes.  They all are the most funniest, kindest, sweetest people you will ever meet.

Dare I ask the worst?

Oh god, it's losing a player or management to other clubs.  It's just not about football.  We all become very close, and great friends.  It's hard not to get upset.

So all those years ago when you joined the football club, could you imagine that the team would progress so far?

We all knew this club was going places, but when you're part of it, you don't realise how far we actually have come until you sit back and really think about it.

How has your role changed as the club has got bigger?

Well I used to just wash the kit, make sandwiches and chuck them in the changing rooms in the Essex Senior League days, now I pretty much run the bars, club and team LOL! I just do my best to make the players, managers lives easier. I get told off for spoiling them, but I can't help it.  They're my boys and I love them.

So give me a timeline of a normal home match day...talk it up, leave no stone un-turned!

9am - I go to the supermarket and get all the food and bits for the day.

10am - Get to the ground

11am-1pm - Myself, Coral, Ewers, Miki, Dan and Nick just have a laugh doing stupid things like seeing who can fit the most marshmallows in their mouth at once.  I won that one. Lol.

Once the marshmallow competition has finished??

Then I'm cooking from then on.  Making sure the ref's, away team and committee are all welcomed.  Then I'm trying to find socks, pants and boots that the players have lost.  Basically all you hear on match day is people calling my name!

445pm - The players and committee all come in for their food.

6pm - I get the hall cleared up, ready for the people who have booked the it for the evening.  Then I start all over again.  I normally get home around 130am.

I don't actually get to see much of the game, but I do try and run out when we score!

Do you ever give the chairman and manager any advice about football matters...if so have they ever listened?

Haha! Dan would often ask me to pick a team, but I would pick players who had the nicest legs etc...he never took my advice.  Can't think why!

If you were manager, what ex-player would you bring back to the club?

Hmmm...If I was manager I would love to bring back Lyle Taylor.  He was such a cutie.  Bit stroppy at times but a real sweetheart.  Brilliant footballer, and we are all so proud of him now.

Are the players generally a nice bunch? Can they be troublesome?

Every single player who I've seen come through the club for the last 14 years have been lovely.  There's not one I can say that was bad. If there was he would not fit in. End of.
The most troublesome of them all isn't a player, it's my mate Gary Ewers.  He is the funniest man ever.  We have had such a laugh over the years and I hope we continue too, over the coming years.

What do you do away from the football club to unwind?

When I'm not at the club I'm usually...at the club! Because we have a function hall, which is booked out every weekend I have other people to look after as well.  I like to make sure they have the best party ever.
Given the chance I will go shopping, nothing like a bit of retail therapy to cheer a girl up!

At a party, George Clooney and Brad Pitt walk through the door.  What one do you pick?

Brad Pitt.  Definitely. X

Sorry I went on a bit.  This club is my baby.  I'm very proud to be a "beachgirl".

An Interview with ... Ant Smith

      Under Antony Smith's stewardship Concord Rangers have risen through the non-league ranks at a rate of knots.  When Antony took over the Chairmanship Concord were plying their trade in the Essex Senior League and as Anthony celebrates his 15th year in charge - Concord finished 7th in the Conference South only missing out on the promotion play-offs by a few points.

     It has been a meteoritic rise for the Canvey based club, and whilst the Chairman was enjoying a well earned holiday he gladly answered some questions about running the club, and how the Concord "spirit" is fostered.

      Celebrating 15 years as Chairman of the Football club this week, can you describe your emotions at this time?  Looking back at your first week, in your wildest dreams could you imagine the club would be where it is now?

I took over when the club was pretty much rock bottom in always, on and off the pitch so its been a real roller coaster ride.

We would never of dreamed of becoming a Conference club never !

Every player I've spoken to, has always commented on the Concord spirit and that it's driven by you. How does that make you feel?

Its fantastic that the lads feel that but it’s the collective of people that are involved that keep that spirit going and maybe my discovery recently of the “meaning of Concord” helps explain it also! (unison, harmony, unanimity, happy family) 

The family feel of the club, was that something you were keen to instigate when you took over the Chairmanship?

Yes my family (Albert, Chris and my Dad and his brother Clive were all instrumental in the building of the club and I played from aged 7 till 24 (retired injured).

So it was in my blood to carry it on and keep the family feel.

      What has been your proudest moment as Chairman of the football club?

      

      There are so many but I still have to say gaining promotion from the Essex Senior League as the club had tried a few times but were knocked back due to our proximity to the then gas terminal, but where there’s a will there’s a way(I don’t give up easily) !

Obviously the win at Lowestoft and the 1^st Essex Senior Cup win over Braintree are up there too.

Obviously the summer saw Danny Cowley leave the club after 8 years, how hard was it for you when he decided to leave for Braintree?

I knew it would come eventually but even when it did it was still a massive shock to all of us at the club, but 8 years is a long time and maybe it was the right time for a freshen up for both him and the club.

But we wish him, Nicky and all the family the best for the future.

However football moves on, how happy are you that Adam Flanagan has accepted the manager's role, and what are you hoping he can bring to Concord?

Adam was number 1 on my list from the moment Danny left, we have kept in contact since his time at the club and I like the way he goes about his football business and I know he understands the way we like to do things at the club

He will be the opposite too Danny as you will not see him running up and down the touchline shouting and screaming at players and officials (this will probably disappoint some home and away supporters lol) 

A lot of work is being done at Concord to reach out into the community (Community day against St Albans, Conference play off final tickets) How important is it for the progression of Concord that the club actively engages with the community

Yes this is the next most important initiative at the club and Phil Crowe and his team have done a great job to date and there is lots in the pipeline for it to progress

      In relation to the above, is this how Concord can improve attendances.  There's some fantastic football, and footballers on show at every home game.  How can the club get the message out there?

Again yes, getting the local community more involved in our different projects will definitely bring more interaction and once we get them here to see a game they tend to return (as you know)

      What do you like to do in your spare time (do you have any!)  How much work is actually put into running a football club, as well as a business.

Contrary to others beliefs I play golf a couple of times a month on average, of course a lot of hard work goes into the club and juggling it with running a business all over the UK can be testing at times, but I have some terrific people around me who will all run through walls for Concord.

How is the golf going, what is your handicap?  Who is your favourite professional golfer?  

My handicap is 14 but if I could get out more frequently I would probably be around 11, I love watching Rory McIlroy but Ian Poulter has the Concord type spirit!

Do you play with anyone else at the club, and if so, who do you keep on taking money off!

That’s a sore subject because we all play and I love taking the money!

Looking at the owners of professional football clubs, and even other businessmen....are they're any you admire.  Or do you see yourself as your own man, with his own ideals?

I wouldn’t say anyone in particular in pro football, I like to see myself as a little bit of Sugar & Branson as I can be a nasty sod but also the nicest fella to those who treat me the right way.

As the interview concluded, Concord have brought in three young players for next season who are keen to improve and better themselves. The Concord way.  The club will give you an opportunity to play and enjoy your football.  A proper family club, run the correct way.

Exclusive Interview with Steve King

After 8 incredibly successful years at Concord Rangers, Danny Cowley has now moved onto Braintree Town.  It comes as no surprise that Danny has attracted the attention of a team higher up the football pyramid, as what he has achieved along with other staff involved at Concord Rangers is to a certain extent a footballing miracle, considering the supporter network and the size of the club.

One of the players who has risen through the league's with Danny and the team is Steve King, I spoke with him to find out his feelings about Danny's departure:

Did you think that the day Danny Cowley left the club would eventually come?

I think it was inevitable that it would come, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't a shock when it happened. Dan was part of the furniture at the club and a huge reason that it has been so successful over the past 8 years, so it's a shock and a sad time for everyone involved.

What are Danny's qualities as a manager, how has he achieved so much?

Dan is relentless.  He's so professional and pays attention to the smallest of details. He would always try and get that 1% advantage over anyone we came up against, so if for example we had a huge snowfall and no one could possibly train on a Thursday night, we would be running on the snow, looking to get everything we could not of the session to allow us to win the game on the Saturday.

That's dedication! How about you personally, how did he improve your game?

For me personally he has helped me develop over the years by giving me confidence in ability, but mostly he has helped me grow as a person into becoming a leader both on and off the pitch, and for that I owe him hugely.

Was Dan integral to the spirit of the club?

I wouldn't say any one person is integral to the spirit of the club.  No one person is bigger than this club and that includes Dan.  Don't get me wrong he is a massive character and he and Nicky will both be sorely missed, but it's his job to select the right characters to put in the changing room and those characters collectively combined with those of the many volunteers around us are what create a special atmosphere, and that by bringing in the right manager and consequently more players with the right character, will continue for years to come.

Obviously the fans are gutted by Dan's departure, do you have any words for them?

All I can say is that there are positives on everything, and there will be positives to take from this.  Danny Cowley is, in my opinion, a fantastic manager who will go on to manage at the very top level I'm sure, but he has put the club in a great position and leaves it on a crest of a wave, and I know the chairman and the committee will make the correct decision when it comes to a new manager and who knows where that can take us.  The club has come on leaps and bounds over the last 8 years and it will continue to do so with the development of the ground this summer and importantly the pitch getting a huge makeover so I'm certain the club won't regress or become stagnant, it will strive to continually improve and to do that we need the fantastic support we receive from those around us to continue.

Finally....You going to throw your CV into the hat?

Haha! I'm not putting my CV in for a manager's job.  At 30 it's not something I've considered  and certainly not something I would want to think about for a long time. The work involved in being a manager of a Non-League club is unreal, and over the years working closely with Dan I have seen the dedication and commitment you have to show to achieve in the role and with a young family I'm not ready to show said commitments.  I would love to be involved in some way shape or form in the selection process and when a manager is appointed I will definitely be applying to become their heading coach, as I feel I have a great deal to offer in this field!

An Interview with ... Danny Scopes

I like to consider myself a glory hunter, I've only been going to Concord Rangers since the turn of the year.  However someone who has been there for years is Danny Scopes, he is part of the furniture. Player, Manager and Joint-Manager, Fan, Ball-collector, Waiter, he's done it all.

I spoke to Danny to find out how his Concord journey began...

When did you first arrive at Concord, was it as a player?

I turned up at Concord in November 2005, Concord were in the Essex Senior League then under Eddie Grace, and I arrived from Tilbury as a player.
I did not really know anyone that well at the club, but came to watch a midweek cup game and signed after the game.  They've been stuck with me since then...

Apart from Tilbury, where had you played previously?

I played most of my Senior football at Wakering Rovers, playing about 350 games over a 10 year period, it would have been near to 450 without suspensions my dad would say!
I left Wakering to join Tilbury for a season and half, and gained promotion there. Then I left to join Concord.

How did becoming Joint-Manager of Concord come about?  Was it something you were always interested in coaching/managing?

I played the remainder of the 2005/2006 season as a player under Eddie and he asked me to be captain and help out with the squad for the following season in the Essex Senior League.  Eddie had signed a few players and we were pushing to try and win the league - things did not work out as well and we finished about 7th I think that year.  At the end of that season I was planning to stay on again as a player and helping Eddie to build a side to compete better in the league.
Then I received a phone call from the Chairman Anthony Smith saying that we needed an urgent meeting. I met with Ant (in the pub of course) and he explained that Eddie was leaving (long story) and he wanted me to take over as manager. Danny Heale (now Canvey boss) and Dan Trenkel (Wakering boss) were present at the meeting as they were both at Concord the previous season, and I was basically bullied into taking the job by the three of them....Bastards!!

Did you feel you could do the job?

I had always felt that I would become a manager or coach of a team once I finished playing, as I always felt I was a good leader on the pitch.  I still thought I could offer something playing, so wanted to be player-manager.  Maybe it came a little earlier than I was ready to be honest, but it is very very hard to say no to the Chairman!

So you were thrust into management..

It was two weeks after getting the job, and missing out on a few players that the best call that ever happened to myself and Concord Rangers came about...Danny Cowley asked to come in and help me as a coach with his brother Nicky coming in as a player.  I would go as far as saying this may have saved my job as manager of Concord Rangers before the season had even started..haha!

Dan was just what I needed and we built a decent squad, it worked well with Danny coaching and myself playing and managing.  The first season we won the Essex Senior League, then we decided to become joint-managers.

What was it like being a joint-manager? Did the working relationship with Danny take time to work, and for each of you to respect each other's thoughts?

Danny Cowley may say different!! However I would say it worked like a dream (pretty successful in the 5 years), we are different people, but we both like to work hard and compete in what we do.  I think over the whole time we worked together we never had a cross word and managed to come to a shared solution or decision, which does not happen in many relationships.
The main reason it worked was the fact we stuck together the whole time, we must have spoken every day for 5 years.  I knew he had my back, and I had his.  That made us so strong as a pair.

Did you have any ex-players who were a right bugger to manage?

Danny Heale once thought he had seen a team sheet without him on it for a game, and decided to get his bag and walk off like a diva - until he realised he had read it wrong! That was just a one off for Danny, he was a great player.
Ashley Miller was like having a stroppy teenager to deal with some days, but he was a cracking player and was excellent for Concord.
There have been a few others I could have smashed around the changing rooms if I had not needed them at times.  The bad eggs did not last long at the club...

So what was your best moment when you were managing the club?

It's hard to pick one as I had some amazing times - I would say the first year and winning promotion on the last day of the season away to Barkingside.  This was followed by one of the best mini-bus journeys home (trust me there have been a few good ones!) and our presentation evenings afterwards at the club.
To celebrate that promotion after a hard season, with some cracking people, will stick with me for a long time.

So you departed as Joint-Manager, what is your role at the club now?  Do you still have one?

I don't really have an official role at the club now.  They just can't rid of me!!! - I will do anything to help from getting balls that go out of the ground (although that's Cliff's job really), serving the food to the players after the game, I'm just happy to do anything for the club.
I like to try and be noisy and loud on match-days and help the players to get the result for the club on the pitch.  We need to get more noise and atmosphere sometimes, as it does help the players.
I do have the tag of "the thug" which is a bit harsh...

That must come from somewhere..come on fess up.  Have you lamped someone at a game?!?

I can't fess up completely but will just say I get a little excited at away games! Haha
I kick every ball when I watch Concord, it's like I'm still playing, and I'm desperate for the team to win, so it can get emotional for me at times.
Anyway I think Lewis Taafe's dad is taking my crown this season.  He is an aggressive little man haha!! but he's very funny with it.

You mention creating an atmosphere, what can Concord do to increase their match day support?

We are getting there slowly, I see more regular faces at home games now and I think the word is spreading.  We have people bringing their family over, and friends bringing their friends along, and that has helped this year.  More people are coming home and away now, which is a great commitment from them. Personally I think once you come a couple of times you're hooked

Yes I agree...

You are so close to the action and you can feel the passion from the benches and the players, you don't often get a game without drama at non-league so it's well worth the money.

We need a few more Canvey supporters to realise that they're watching the wrong team on the Island, and need to come over and support the bigger club!

Saying that would Canvey Island be better served by having just one semi-pro football team?

I think if you were asking me as a neutral, yes of course combined resources would make for a better club all-round and certainly help with competing at this level.  As a Concord supporter however, I would say we have worked hard to become the Number 1 club on the Island and if there was to be any coming together, they would have to work on our plans and structure as it has proven to be working.

How different is the Concord Rangers you took charge of in 2006 to the Concord Rangers of 2015?

Wow - apart from the obvious league status and to the team competing at Conference South level on the field, is there for all to see.  Off the field the whole set-up of the club has improved every year - the work on the ground from the first year I started has been excellent, new changing rooms, new pitch surroundings/fencing, new dugouts, the tea-bar, plus new stands and seating, and it's all carrying on again next year with more clubhouse and extensive pitch-work planned.  The off the pitch structure that all the committee, Ant Smith and Danny Cowley have put in place with the community work and academy next year, will again move the club on.  It is truly amazing the progress which has taken place.
To sum it all up - my first game as manager we played Sawbridgeworth at home in front of 57 people.  This season we had over a 1000 watching a 1st round FA Cup replay against Mansfield.  THAT IS PROGRESS.

How far can Concord Rangers go though?

Concord Rangers have come a long way in a very short space of time, so you have to be realistic, budget and structure wise, we've already done amazing to compete for two seasons in the Conference South.  Therefore staying in the league for as long as possible would be a great achievement on it's own at present.

In the current Concord side, what needs improving to possibly push on next season?

I try not to say too much about the playing side other than to Dan himself - I think the side is strong and with a couple of additions and more importantly holding on to the 15/16 we have then we can have another push in this league.  Personally I would love to see Harry Elmes get a pre-season and get a chance to prove himself in the Conference South, as he was a massive part in helping the team get to that level. He will be a great asset to the team once he's fully match fit next season.

Who is your favourite current player and why?

Alex Woodyard has been my player of the season this year, he's vital in the midfield. He links defence to attack with his energy and passing...maybe a few more goals from Woody next year haha!!
I have a soft spot for James White also in the midfield and believe they have formed an excellent partnership.  I played with James when he was breaking through at Wakering at 16/17, and I can't believe he still doesn't know how to tackle or use his elbows....Haha!

Finally Danny, are you interested in managing a football club again?

You can never say never in football, but it would take a lot for me to get back involved in football management again.  I have my own business and two boys that are playing football, so I need to give my time to them.  I run my boys teams and would like to progress with them - I'm working my way through the coaching badges every season, I love coaching kids and work for a local academy as well.  Maybe in the future I can help push some of these players through into the Concord first team.

Concord Rangers - A supersonic rise

Concord Rangers, there's a fair chance that you've never heard of them.  The club was founded in 1967. They played their first games on a pitch alongside the beach on Canvey Island, and are now making waves in the Non-league pyramid.

Concord moved into their current home of Thames Road in 1985.  They developed the clubhouse and ground with Jack Smith, the current treasurer, integral to the project.  Under Jack and his late brother Clive, they organised funds, labour and materials.  Without these two gentlemen's efforts, the Concord pitch and ground would not exist.

Concord slowly moved through the Intermediate Essex League, before joining the Essex Senior League  in the 1991-92 season.  The end of their first season, brought the retirement of Chairman Albert Lant, who founded the club 25 years previously. Albert moved into the role of Club President (a position he still holds), and club treasurer Jack Smith then held the chairmanship for two seasons.  Grant Beglan who is the CEO at Aspect Contracts, Concord's main sponsors, then became Chairman, a position he held for a few seasons as well.
During this time in the mid 90s Concord home games were being attended by approximately 40 people, yes 40.  The times I visited with my father, it was not an exhilarating experience, not only could you hear the players chat to each other, it was so quiet, you could hear the players breathe.
It was through no fault of the people involved, but it required someone to take charge of the club, somebody with a vision, and a hunger and desire to see Concord Rangers thrive.
Anthony Smith took control of the club in 1999, he was a Concord player who had to retire at the age of 25 due to a cruciate ligament injury. "My father had helped build the club in the 1970s, and it was the family vibe which appealed to  me." Smith told me when we chatted after Concord had beaten Whitehawk 3-0 in the league at home.

It is that sense of family that is at the core of the club, everyone I spoke to before and after the game was repeating the same mantra "this club is like one big family". Be it Miki Hood who came to the club 7 1/2years ago as a very bad reserve player (his word's not mine!), and is now, again in his own words "a general dogsbody". Miki undersells himself, having spent time chatting with him, it is clear he has an integral role at the club.  Miki is in charge of the club's twitter account (@ConcordRangers) and he understands the key role social media has to play in the modern game.  Whilst he was in the dug-out on Saturday, performing another of his roles, which I think was chief cheerleader! Miki was also tweeting out live updates, be it goals, substitutions.  Could Twitter be any closer to the action? I doubt it!

Social Media also resulted in fan Alan Jessup-Peacock having a role at the club.  Alan informed me that he had started attending Concord matches 5 seasons ago, and started interacting with the club and players via Twitter.  Concord players and management responded to Alan's tweets and through time Alan "was integrated into the family at Concord, and made to feel extremely welcome"  Imagine this level of interaction.  Would the chairman or players at a Premier League club interact with your tweets on social media...not a chance in a million years!
Alan whilst getting involved in the club on matchday in his role of programme editor, always stands with the hardcore of Concord fans, in the "Shed end" behind one of the goals.  Is this stand named after the famous terracing at Chelsea you ask.  No, it's because behind that goal, the fans used to stand in a converted shed!

Concord Rangers 40th anniversary was in 2007/2008, and they had reason to celebrate that season, as under joint managers, Danny Cowley and Danny Scopes they won the Essex Senior League and gained promotion to the Ryman League Division 1 North.
The following season in the higher league, Concord finished in an admirable 5th place, gaining a place in the promotion play offs.  They despatched East Thurrock in the semi-finals, and were leading Waltham Abbey with 10minutes to go.  The novices at this level were within touching distance of successive promotions.  Unfortunately Waltham Abbey equalised in those last 10minutes, and won the game on penalties.
As you've seen in the Championship and League 1 and 2 play-offs, teams who lose in the play off final one season, struggle the next.  Not Concord, they weren't deterred by the previous season's agony and won the promotion play-off final the following season (09-10), beating Enfield 3-1.  They had gained promotion to the Ryman Premier League.  Under Danny Scopes and Danny Cowley the club had won promotion 2 out of the 3 seasons.
Concord consolidated in the Premier League for the next few seasons (finishing 8th and 14th), and at the end of the 2011/2012 season, joint manager Danny Scopes stepped down leaving Danny Cowley in sole charge.  Danny Scopes is still involved with the club to this day, attending every game and carrying out important scouting duties for the club.

2012/2013 with Cowley in sole charge, Concord got off to a slow start, but soon found their form.  A fantastic away record, and what Miki Hood and Alan Jessup-Peacock call "a never say die attitude, we play to the final whistle" Concord Rangers battled themselves to the Ryman Premier League play offs. Their away record stood them in good stead as they won away to Wealdstone in the semi final, and then away to Lowestoft in the final (the final was played at Lowestoft's ground) 2-1 "In our last four games against Lowestoft, the aggregate score was 18-1 in their favour. So to win that final away from home was my proudest moment so far" manager Danny Cowley told me.
Concord Rangers a small team from Canvey Island but with a massive heart, were now one promotion away from the Football Conference.

Concord were not disgraced in their first season in the Conference South, and were soon picking up points on a regular basis with determined and professional performances against some of the biggest sides at this level; Eastleigh, Dover and Bromley.  This helped Concord finish their debut season in the Conference South in a tremendous 9th place.  They were only 8points away from a play off place, and a massive 16 points clear of the relegation places.  A fantastic effort, considering they were everyone's tips to go straight back down.
Whilst Concord were impressing in the league, the club were having a great run in the Essex Senior Cup (a competition which includes Professional sides, such as Colchester, Southend, Dagenham & Redbridge and Braintree).  Concord reached the final of this competition, and beat Braintree 2-1 to win the cup, " a dream moment" for the Chairman, Anthony Smith.

So what has this season brought.  As holders of the Essex Senior Cup, Concord have beat Colchester, Grays and Dagenham & Redbridge.  However this hasn't been their only cup exploits this season.  Barnet riding high in the Football Conference and set fair for a return to the Football League were hammered at their home ground 6-2 by Concord in the FA Trophy.  An extraordinary result.

At the start of the current season, the Chairman and Manager both set the 1st round proper of the FA Cup as a target for the first time in the club's history.  After speaking to these two impressive men, it was no surprise that Concord Rangers managed this.
Victories against Wealdstone, Winchester and St Albans ensured that Concord were in the hat for the 1st round proper of the FA Cup.  They were drawn against League 2 side Mansfield away.  Pundits didn't give them a prayer, in fact the general consensus of Social Media was "who the f**k are Concord".  However never under-estimate that Concord spirit.  They drew 1-1 at Mansfield, and Concord's goal was undoubtedly one of the goals of the round from Jordan Chiedozie. This strike ultimately saw him receive attention from a number of league clubs.
Concord only get an average of 200 supporters for a home league game, but on the night of 25th November 2014 a crowd of 1,500 was at the Aspect Arena, for the return fixture against Mansfield.
The league side edged the replay 1-0, but Mansfield knew they had been in a titanic struggle.

As I attended Concord's home game with Whitehawk on Saturday 24th January, I wanted to see for myself how this small part-time club were bucking the trend, and getting results against full time sides so regularly (there are 8 full time sides in the Conference South).
As I made my way round the ground, it was clear that despite the hardcore fans best efforts, there is not much noise generated.  Perched next to the dug-out I noted that it's the staff who create the fervent atmosphere, which inspires the home team.
The Concord bench kick and head every ball, and are aggressive in their approach to the referee.  Some would call it "in their face", but remember Concord are playing against sides who average home attendances of over 1,000, and don't have fans to holler at the referee, and influence his decisions.  The referees at this level are generally weak, and can be swayed by dissenting voices.  It's not perhaps in the spirit of the game, but if you're the underdog in every game you play, you have to find that edge.

What is immediately apparent once the game gets underway, is that Concord Rangers are an incredibly well coached side.  They have obviously been drilled in terms of team shape in their twice weekly training sessions, and each player knows his role in the side. "I like to play a high energy game, but we have to be more pragmatic at this level, we can't go gung-ho, we are playing against exceptional players" Danny Cowley confirmed to me after the game.

Whilst Danny Cowley is a jack in the box in his technical area, cajoling and pushing his players on, his Assistant Manager (and brother), Nicky Cowley analyses the game methodically, looking at where Concord can take advantage of the oppositions weaknesses.  Nicky, the quieter of the two brothers is an effective number 2, and you can tell that Danny trusts him implicitly.  When Nicky talks Danny listens.

This style of football cannot afford any passengers and as Danny Cowley confirmed "the players have to fit the template and ethos of the club.  A player's personality means more to me than their ability." When you look at this Concord side it has an excellent mix of players, all of them wanting to prove a point for one reason or another.
Starting off with the goalkeeper, after the unfortunate injury to Jamie Butler, Josh Vickers was brought in from Arsenal, yes Arsenal on loan.  Vickers is destined for the top, he has an imposing presence.  His distribution from either hand or feet is top drawer.  His shot stopping is superb, and it's a coup for the club, that he is staying on loan till the end of the season.  There is no doubt that Vickers will play at a high level, be it with Arsenal or not.

Australian full back Jeremy Walker, moved to England looking for a fresh start after leaving A League side, Melbourne Heart (he played 16 games).  I was told before the game that Jeremy had man-marked Alessandro Del Piero out of an A-League game. I was sceptical of this, but after watching Walker bomb up and down the right back, as well as being excellent defensively, I can now see why.  He is another young player who will have a fantastic career in English football.
Then you have the club stalwarts Steve King and Gary Ogilvie, who have both been with the club for over 5 seasons, and have seen them rise through the various leagues.  Both of them know what playing for Concord means, and their dedication to the cause inspires the newcomers around them.
The front two against Whitehawk, Lewis Taafe and Steve Cawley, never stop running.  Their tireless pressing of the ball is fundamental to Cowley's pattern of play.  After the game I compared Taafe's performance to something akin of Carlos Tevez.  I may have got carried away, but his desire to chase every lost cause was admirable.

Whilst the current Concord side is performing well, the club already have an eye on the future.  In September 2015 the club, in association with TVS Education, will open their own Academy under the control of senior club professional Gary Ogilvie.
The aim is to have 24 students, aged 16-18 in year one, studying at BTEC level, rising to 50 in the 2nd year.
All players will be coached in the same way that the first team is, they will play the same formation, and be drilled in the same manner.  Once players are either injured or moved on in the 1st team, the plan is to have a ready-made replacement from the Academy.  What is an encouraging sign for Concord already is that even before this Academy has been set-up, a number of the U18 side have been called up to the Essex U18 County side.

Everyone I met at Concord on this January afternoon were so accommodating, it was unbelievable.  I was treated like I had been going every week.  Concord's staff friendliness knew no bounds, be it the coaching staff talking to me, before and after the game, to players bringing me cups of tea after the game!
It is only right that I leave the final word to a man who is helping to create something wonderful at a small club in South East Essex. When I asked Danny Cowley, who inspired him in football, I was expecting the usual bland answer of someone like Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger etc.   His response however summed up the club which has a family atmosphere running through the heart of it.
"My dad.  He coached me as a boy, when I played for Gidea Park Rangers, and the way he treated people inspired me.  He did things the right way, and that's what i'm trying to do at this club."