While Neil Baker looks forward to his first full season as manager of our first team, it’s the start of a new era with our reserves as well.
With club legend Dave Dale finally taking a bow after around 126 years of service – just kidding Dave but we all know it was a very long time! – stepping up to the plate for the new season is Dave Turner, who worked alongside Dave D, as the reserve team secured promotion to the Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division last season.
Dave T is under no illusions around the challenge ahead but started our conversation by paying tribute to the man he’s taking the reins from.
Dave T – I really appreciated getting the chance to stand alongside Dave last season, gaining an insight into managing a team and of course learning about the players. Every experience I had last season will stand me in good stead for the challenges to come.
Media team – What are your thoughts about the coming season Dave?
Dave T – I’m looking forward to having a very positive campaign. Naturally, it’s a step up in standard for us but we’ve got a good mix of players coming through this season,including a few that have graduated from the under-18s. I’m really excited about the challenge.
Media team – Do you feel that you have an advantage as a manager of the team having had an apprenticeship as it were last time out?
Dave T – Whether you call it having an advantage or not I’m not sure, but I’m bringing a lot of ideas and expertise to the role, and I won’t have any qualms about taking decisions. I do plenty of that in my day job, so I’m well used to making difficult calls! I feel privileged to be given the responsibility for managing the team and I’m excited about having this responsibility.
Media team – How do you think the team will manage the stepping up to play in a higher division?
Dave T – Of course it will be a whole lot tougher. Our local rivals Redgate went through the entire league season unbeaten – that gives you an idea of what we will be coming up against. But we have a good team and a nice blend of young talent with some experienced heads in there to guide them as well, so I’m confident we will give an excellent account of ourselves.
Media team – Although you’ll be managing the team for the first time, you’ll have a familiar name alongside you in the dugout.
Dave T – That’s right, I’ve got Martin Ridley with me, and I’ll lean on him for advice and continue to benefit from his expertise just as Dave did before me. Martin played professionally for Port Vale and so he brings a unique insight to the lads. I think he’s been outstanding in his role for the team already and I’m very happy that he’s staying on and will step forward in more of a management role now.
Media team – Have you had much of a chance to work with the players yet?
Dave T – We’ve been in pre-season for four weeks already – it almost feels like the pre-season started before the last season finished! When I sat down and talked to the playing squad at the beginning, one of the key pieces of feedback they gave me was that they were determined to get the benefits of a full pre-season.
That didn’t really happen last time out through no fault of anyone really, just the circumstances at the time. This will also give me the time I need to define how I feel the team should play and to ensure we don’t get caught out physically.
Media team – That all sounds very positive Dave, when does your season get underway?
Dave T – Our first game is on Saturday 27 July and we start with a home game against Brereton. I can’t wait for the games to come round and to get started with competitive matches.
Media team – Well everyone at the club wishes you all the very best for the new season.
Dave T – Cheers Gibbsy