Non League Life with Jody Brown

What does it take to coach, manage or play in Non-League football? How high are the playing standard these days?

In the first of a series of interviews, I'm speaking to Non-League managers, coaches and players to find out what makes the Non-League world tick.  First up is Jody Brown who has managed/coached from Step 1 down to Step 6. Jody is currently managing Heybridge Swifts in the Ryman League Division One North.

I first asked Jody, how does he deal with what seems an ongoing turnover of players at the lower level of Non-League football.

"Unfortunately it is part and parcel of football at Ryman Level. It happens less the higher you go. It becomes difficult for the coaches that believe in working with a team on the training ground, and developing players over a period of time. There are few contracts, and players have little reason to remain at clubs where they aren't playing regularly.
This season at Heybridge we have suffered with injuries this season, but we still have eleven/twelve players with over twenty appearances this season, and that's despite losing three/four regulars to rival clubs.  I honestly believe that the club's that manage to retain a consistent group over a two/three year period have a far better chance of success on and off the field.
Supporters want to bond with the players too, and it's great when that happens. However for that to happen players need to play 50/100/200 games for a club to develop that relationship."

That bond between players and supporters, how important is that and does it breed success?

"When you get an "all in it" together mentality between club, players and supporters, you have the ingredients for success. Danny Cowley's recent successes have illustrated that, and Rod Stringer is developing it at Chelmsford.
In my short time at Concord Rangers, I could see that the Steve Cawley's and Tony Stokes of this world had a tremendous relationship with their fans. It breeds loyalty in both directions. The players then play for the fans, and the fans support them even during the tough times. It's a great feeling to feel that your winning games for a greater cause than just yourself, and that bond and positivity is worth plenty of points over a season."

You mentioned about losing 3/4 regulars this season to rival club's, is that kind of problem exclusive to the Ryman North?

"The lower the level the more it happens. Less money, fewer contracts, less restriction of player movements and approaches - all adds up to less commitment. Plus players that play higher up the pyramid often have a more professional approach to the game and appreciate the benefits of stability and the importance of being durable enough to earn your place in the team. There will always be players that move for money at every level, I understand that, but having to fight for your place shouldn't be a reason to move on if you believe in your ability."

How effective is the seven day approach? Is there another alternative?

"Not sure really. I think it's fairly common place for a club to have already spoken with their target, whether directly or indirectly. The rule obviously protects a club from being ripped to shreds over night, but in terms of aiding the long term security of a club, or to allow foundations to be built over a period of time, the rule does very little. The alternative would be to put in a transfer window all the way down to Step 4 (Ryman League North/South). Then manager's recruitment, coaching, management and tactical performance would be tested.  The way it is currently isn't too dissimilar to playing a computer game, allowing clubs with money to take another club's players to regularly and too easily. It also completely deflects from a coaches ability to improve player's and teams.  It's a case of lose a game, go out and buy three new players. So in reality, it minimises the effect of a coach can have and it creates a very short term mentality."

With the idea of a Non-League transfer window, do you think there would be a danger of the wealthier clubs just stock-piling players for the sake of it?

"I think that happens anyway. Player's are more likely to be content as a bit-part squad player when earning £200/300/400 plus per week. There are obvious examples in every level."

The role of an agent is becoming increasingly prominent at Non-League level. Do they help or hinder when managing a team?

"Like any walk of life, there are good and bad agents. I know some good ones, but you do hear a lot less from them when things are challenging.
Agents that force or hunt for moves, rather than mentor their players to play games, act professionally, perform consistently and get noticed, do become a hinderance. They can create false hope, and unrealistic expectations in players. Obviously there are massive Non-League success stories that have probably only come about as a result of a proactive agent.
In my opinion, moving clubs regularly has never helped any player. The best thing a player can do is find a manager they feel they can excel and develop under, and then work hard, perform consistently and opportunities will follow. Possibly there are too many agents nowadays, but people need to make a living, and I can appreciate it from both sides of the fence.

What are characteristics you're looking for, when you want to add a player to the squad?

"Personally I look for technical ability, ambition, previous pedigree and the potential to develop into a better player. I've rarely had the financial support to look for the ready made winner, so it's been a case of working together to improve. In a perfect world, I'd recruit established players between 22-32 years of age, big athletic, technically sound players that know me, know each other, have an affiliation with the club, and a track record of winning. However that is very difficult."

Do you scout player's yourself and are player's signed on word of mouth?

"I think player's do get signed on word of mouth. I've only done it once personally and wasn't comfortable.  I see manager's and club staff at games, so scouting does take place. Personally I fall a little bit short on that element of management at the moment, due to the fact that I take every training session.  But it's an area that I think the club's with sound infrastructure excel in."

"You've coached at all levels in the Non-League pyramid, is there much difference in the quality of football being played?"

The biggest difference is the preparation the higher you go up.  The use of video analysis, scouting and game specific sessions are the norm, as opposed to only for special occasions and big games. The players are better conditioned, coaches are better qualified, facilities are better, crowds are bigger, and the coverage is more intense each time you climb another level.  That breeds ambition, professionalism and a higher tempo on match day, which then becomes inherent."

What challenges does each level bring to a manager?

"The more money a player is paid, the more committed he is to the game and his own development in most cases. That is probably the biggest challenge you face lower down the pyramid. I personally find it difficult to find the balance between my expectations in terms of training, conditioning, preparation, and the club's and player's expectations."

Can you give an example of that?

Sure, not being able to prepare your team because player's are at work, or not pick your strongest team because a player is on holiday isn't an issue you face at the best clubs at Step 2 or any clubs at Step 1. Training facilities also generally improve, which saves those arguments with club groundsman about getting on the pitch to do your shape work etc."

But going up through the levels, also bring's it challenges?

"Of course, there are pitfalls higher up for managers. Personally I didn't deal with the supporters or media particularly well when I was at level, and I've tried to learn from that experience, and hope it's something I am improving whilst working hard with people to rebuild Heybridge Swifts on and off the field."

So what is the key to progressing through the levels?

"If you aspire to, and have the capabilities to do things professionally, and work with a good support network, committed, talented players, and building a club as opposed to just building a team - get as high as you possibly can.  Managing non contract players, without money, appropriate facilities and limited support staff can massively detract from your ability to work with your team and individuals in the way you would like to. Even Jose Mourinho could not win Ryman Division One without money, staff, or a place to train. To succeed as an individual or a club following promotions, I think you have to raise the bar and consider all of the above. If you just continue the way you have at the lower level, it won't be enough. Each jump is quite a significant one."

© Chris Clark 2017

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 ... 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.