An Interview with ... Danny Cowley

After eight successful seasons with Concord Rangers, guiding them through the non-league pyramid to the Conference South, Danny Cowley moved onto National League side Braintree Town in the summer.

Braintree have been a fixture in the National League (Conference) since 2011/2012 and when I spoke to Danny, I wanted to find out how he could improve Braintree's fortunes in this division, considering they are a part-time football club and Danny himself holds down a day-job.

Braintree finished 14th last season is it possible to improve on that?

It will be a challenge certainly. Nicky (Cowley) and I went to Chester and Tranmere in the past week, and that emphasised the magnitude of the challenge.  In the first week of the season we play Chester, Lincoln and Tranmere, and they've all been football league clubs.  Whenever you've got big challenges in front of you, it's important that you break them down individually and that's what we will have to do. Our first objective has to be to get to 50points.

In the National League there are more league games to contend with

Yes, there are 46 league games.  It's a long tough season, the first month is especially hectic.  The players so far have been excellent, their attitude and application has been first class during pre-season and it's all been positive to date, and now it's down to the serious stuff.

You start with Chester away this weekend

I went to watch them last week when they played Liverpool U21's and there was near on 3000 people watching the game, and it was an 11-hour round trip for me.  I dropped Nicky off at Tranmere so he could scout them as well.

You're certainly covering the miles early

Well part of our successes as managers has been having detailed analysis on our opposition, and to look at ways to outwit them.  Especially as we are new to the league, it's imperative that we get to know the teams/players as quick as we can, and that's what we're aiming to do.

You're know for asking your players to give that extra 1% which the opposition aren't doing.  Is that something you're going to have to drawn on even more this season?

Oh yes, it's not an even playing field, when you look at Braintree's resources and infrastructure and compare that to the other clubs in the league.  99% of the clubs at this level are full-time.  I think at this level it's going to be more challenging as myself and Nicky are part-time, and we've got full-time jobs, and so do all of our players.  It's going to be our biggest challenge, but it's something we are really looking forward to.

Saying that, can you combine a day job with managing a National League side?

Ask me in 10 months haha!  It will require a balance, I have a young family as well, so it will need juggling at times.  It will definitely demand long hours from me.

Well you've already clocked up 11 hours travelling to Chester in midweek, and you've got sides like Barrow and Torquay in this league.

There will be some long journey's in this league, no doubt.  But a lot of people have asked this question already and it doesn't affect me.  When I was Concord Rangers manager I put every spare hour into that, so the work increase has not been that great.  Obviously at this level there is an added pressure, but that's what I thrive on and enjoy.  Anyway work's only work if you don't enjoy it.  I'm a very lucky person to have two jobs that I love.

However these long hours must put a strain on your home life?

I think you have to have an understanding family definitely.  My wife is an international athlete (Kate Cowley) so she knows what commitment is required, and is very understanding which certainly helps.  But yes as I've mentioned before it's a juggling act there's no doubt about that.  However it's something we are used to, and dealt with successfully and will continue to do so.

Will there be a time when you step away from the day job?

You never know in football,  I don't think it's worth predicting what the future may bring.  What you have to do is put all your focus and energies into what we can control, and at the moment that is trying to move Braintree Town forward and remain competitive in this division.

You've mentioned that magic 50points before

Yes, the quicker we get there, then we can look at mid-table, then the top 10...then you dare to dream.
We are looking to create a culture at the football club which is professional and demanding, and looking at making the most of the opportunities which are presented to us, and hopefully mould and create a group of players who can cope in this competitive division.

Was it important to you to bring in some players you knew as well, or did the squad need a freshen up anyway?

The biggest challenge was to try and keep the group together, and we spent three weeks reviewing the club and looking at the structure and why and how the club had achieved the success it had. When you can answer these questions, then you can add continued success, and we thought very much that the success achieved at the club was down to the players.  So keeping those players at the club was the first challenge and we were pleased that we managed that.  That was hugely importantly as they have been the foundation of the club in recent years.  Continuity is key at any football club, that's something our success at Concord Rangers was based upon. We've brought 3/4 in from our previous club, who we see are on an upward curve in their progression in the game.  These players are looking to improve and are hungry, these are the kind of players I'm looking to bring in.

Well I suppose if the player improves, then the club improves so it's beneficial for both parties.

Character is very important.  Signing a player with the right character is crucial. When you've worked with players in the past, and you know that you've got a relationship that works then it's a lot easier to manage them, no doubt about that.

Is this something in which the day job (Head of PE) comes in handy, or is it something you've always been able to do?

There are a lot of transferable skills from my day-job to football management.  As a head of a department, it's a challenge of my man-management skills so conversely I can lean on my football experiences as well.  I've nine seasons now as a football manager and it in that time I've developed my man-management skills, and these things can only improve with experience.

Your relationship with your brother Nicky (who is Dan's Assistant Manager) is key.  I've seen the pair of you on the touchline your more animated, whilst Nicky is more studious, you compliment each other.  How do you find working with your brother?

Nicky and I have always been close, we have the same interests and obviously growing up together we have shared the same experiences.  We're similar in ways, but different in others and I think it is very important as a manager to rely on good people around you.  Trust is key as well, and our relationship is a strong one.  Looking back at our time at Concord Rangers, Nicky had a huge part to play there, both on and off the pitch.  He's enthusiastic and an excellent coach, and he's a big part of the success we've had in the past and hopefully will be in future successes at Braintree.

You've mentioned that you've been a manager for nine seasons now, can you still see yourself managing in ten years time?

Football is in my blood.  My dad played at a good level, and I grew up watching him play.  I couldn't imagine my life without football.  I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, I only want to think about the here and now with Braintree Town.

An Interview with ... Gary Ewers

I caught up with Gary Ewers before pre-season training started for Concord Rangers, to try and find out what he does at the club, apart from being a wind-up merchant.  I don't think I really found out, but I did find out who he likes to wind up!

When did you first get involved with Concord Rangers?

About 8 years ago I joined Concord Rangers from East Thurrock United as a central midfielder, I was known as the English Maradona and I scored on my debut.

Where had you played previously, a little birdie tells me that "you were decent"?

I played in the old Ryman Division 1 for many years with Great Wakering Rovers, alongside Danny "Elbows" Scopes and Danny "The Nose" Heale.

What is your role at the club now, what is it you actually do?

Who knows! I'm supposed to be the kit-man I think.

During your time at the club, who has been the best player you've seen?

There have been a number of good players that I've seen throughout my time at Concord, I would say that Lyle Taylor was the best.

How about the worst?

Definitely Michael Hood aka Ricky Gervais

Everyone I speak to, says you're a bit of a joker.  What is the best prank you've played on someone?

I'm unable to tell you about some of the pranks that I have done in the past, as it could potentially get me arrested in the morning.

Haha...With pre-season training starting up, what for you is the benefit of wearing bin-bags during training?

I wanted to lose a bit of weight so I improvised and use a bin-bag.  WOW did I sweat, it was like a tsunami when I took my top off.

What does being part of the Concord Rangers set up mean to you?

The club  has got so many people that dedicate their lives to keep on improving our special little football club.  The person I have so much respect for is Jayne, she works her little socks off day in, day out, and I'm sure she has sold her house and moved into the club, as she is always there.

What has been your greatest experience whilst being involved with Concord Rangers, what thing do you look back on and think..wow I was proud to be part of that?

My whole time at Concord has been amazing, I have so many great memories, but the one that sticks out more than anything is the play off final against Lowestoft Town.  I will never forget running on the pitch at the end of the match celebrating with all the players, backroom staff and our supporters...what a day, and oh yeah what a night too....

Going back to being a bit of a joker, who is the easiest person to wind up at the club?

I do love a wind up, especially with our gay physio, he keeps on lying about some girl that he is dating, but anyone can pull off a picture from a well know social media site and say "This is my girlfriend" Michael Hood does it every week.

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.

An Interview with ... Reece Topley

As an 11year old, I had high hopes that I was going to open the bowling for England when I was older.  My dad put in plenty of work giving me practice, we set up the stumps in the driveway, and he then chalked a square 50cm by 50cm just outside off stump.  For hours I practiced bowling into this square, not interested in hitting the wickets.  

As a left armer bowler as well, I was be-sotted with Wasim Akram.  Whilst he was making England look like mugs, I was in my element.  I was going to be England's Wasim Akram.

When the summer came, and school cricket was being played, I run amok.  I was quite tall as a kid, so the opposition schools had to contend with this gangly bowling machine.  I skittled all the teams, as my school made in it into the final, for the first time in their history.  So now you're all wondering how that final went...we lost by 10 wickets.  I didn't get a wicket in my first two overs, I panicked, and then proceeded to bowl like a drain.

This was the pinnacle of my cricketing career, again so early.  Sportsmen peak at different times in their career, but looking back on mine, to peak at 12 is particularly galling.

Alas I was never to be English cricket's left arm hope, but recently I've spoken to another young left arm quick bowler, who has high hopes the future.

Reece Topley at the age of 21 is already a fixture in the Essex side, and has represented England at England U19 level.  Unfortunately Reece has suffered with back trouble the last couple of seasons, so I started off by asking him how he was feeling physically...

What have you been doing this winter?  Have you fully recovered from your back troubles?

I have been working hard in the gym, made a lot of progressions there physically. I managed to get away to France to watch the ASP world surf championships. Also, attended the PCA AGM in the Algarve and holidayed just before christmas to Barbados.  

I remember watching your dad play, when I was a lot younger! What did he teach you about bowling when you were younger? 

Yeah, me and my father always played Test matches in the garden all school holidays. I was always the World XI and would pretend to be Wasim Akram, Brett Lee or Matthew Hayden and he was Zimbabwe. Whenever we played cricket he would be coaching me and I have always swung the ball because of it. 

You mentioned Wasim, Lee and Hayden,  who did you used to model your game on? I used to be a left arm fast bowler, and I tried modelling myself on Wasim Akram. However I was never good enough to replicate him!

I don’t look at anyone really and model myself on them. I watch Wasim Akram a lot as I believe he is the pinnacle of left arm bowlers. He has set the benchmark for any left armer. I had the privilege when i was away at the U19 world cup to meet with Wasim and his wife in a bar in Townsville. I spoke to him for about 2 hours and I view that as one of the most amazing experiences in my career so far. 

Did you instantly fall in love with cricket as a youngster, as your dad was a player?  Or were you interested in other sports, and do you fancy yourself as a bit of a player at some of those?

I love cricket, but I also love football. I was a keen footballer in the winter and a keen cricketer in the summer, it was season dependent. I also played hockey and rugby and i enjoyed them massively. 

What advice would you give to schoolchildren who want to become fast bowlers?  Is practice, practice, practice the key?

Yes, but also it's the hardest job in the game and takes a strong character to be a bowler. Its mentally tough and physically tough.

What are your aims for this season?

My sole aim is just to get to October without any injuries this season. The last year and a half have been absolute hell for me, having 2 stress fractures and having so much time out of the game. From a team perspective I would love to win a trophy this year with the rest of the Essex boys. 

What format of cricket do you prefer bowling in? 1st class / One Day / 20/20

I love bowling full stop. I enjoy the challenge of going to battle with a batsman in 4 day cricket and the tactical side of cricket in the limited over game. The atmosphere is obviously amazing in 20/20 cricket and is brilliant to perform in front of. I really enjoy bowling at the death because its a great time to put all the momentum in your teams favour and pick up some key wickets and stem the flow of runs.

What would you say your bowling strengths are?

My swing is a good weapon for me. In 4 day cricket I swing the red ball a lot and consistently. Also, when the ball get very old and also in white ball cricket I use reverse swing as my main weapon. Also like I just said I feel I bowl well at the end of a limited over innings. 

What's your highest score with the bat?  Are you always looking to improve? 

My highest score ever is 149 for Colchester U16s in the Essex matchplay tournament. However if you look at my professional batting record you would feel my best batting days are behind me!!  

When you bat in 1st class cricket, is the temptation there, just to give it a whack!?

The temptation is the to give it a whack but if you get out doing that i would advise hiding from the coaches for the rest of the day .

What do you do to unwind away from cricket?  

I love getting away and experiencing different cultures. I have been away with Jaik Mickleburgh and Mark Pettini a lot recently. We watched the World Surf champs in Hossegor near Biarritz. I watch a lot of sport, mostly Ipswich Town this winter at Portman Road. Another one of my past times is cinema, I am a huge film fanatic and love acting and all the surrounds it. 

What kind of music/tv/films do you like then?

Music, i like anything depending on my mood. 

TV, i must admit i love a bit of Jeremy Kyle and was amazed when i had lunch next to him at Sandy Lane when i recently visited Barbados. 

Jeremy Kyle!?!  So did you say anything to him then?

No sadly I was star-struck.

You mentioned acting, so who are your favourite actors?

I enjoy Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. I think they are stunning in all their roles. 

Who are your friends in cricket?

All the Essex boys are great value! I probably get up to most mischief with Mark Pettini. Ravi Bopara is hilarious,  he is harsh with his banter and very quick witted. 

Apart from Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, there are places available in the England bowling line up's for a quick tall paceman.  You certainly fit the criteria.  Is an England Test cap the ultimate ambition?

100%, My goal for as long as I can remember has been to be the first left arm bowler for England to 100 test wickets. 

How well can Essex do this season? 

I feel we will get a trophy this year. If we won a one day competition and finished in the top 2 in the championship. It would be a huge season and go down in history for Essex.

England had a disappointing World Cup.  What can be done to change our fortunes in One Day cricket?

I think Alex Hales should have been opening for England for the last year. He can take it to the opposition in a similar way to Aron Finch does for Australia. Also, Cooky shouldn’t have been dropped at the 11th hour. The whole squad had to adjust after 3 years of work leading to the World Cup. I do think that this rattled the England side. 

If you were being held hostage, and your kidnappers said you must be pick one batsmen to score a 100, otherwise we will kill you, what batsman would you pick!!

Alistair Cook…. form is temporary class is permanent. He is still an amazing player. 

What do you make of the cricket pundits on Sky.  Do you have a particular favourite?

I like Andrew Strauss, he has a great cricket brain and it comes across when he is on Sky. Rob Key also talks brilliantly when he commentates, and is still a very good player for Kent. 

Where would you like to be in 5yrs time?

I would like to be playing for England and making them a dominant force in world cricket again. Also, I want to be playing in Division 1 for Essex. 

If Reece can get off to a quick start to the season, and get amongst the wickets, whose to say the England selectors won't come calling.  English cricket is crying out for a tall left arm quick bowler, who can bowl in all formats of the game.  Could this be Reece Topley's time.