Garstang
ST . MICHAELS GARAGE G . A . & J . A . SALTHOUSE
“ The mood within the club is on a high at the moment . I think people can now see where the club is heading , not only in terms of off the field projects but on the pitch where it matters .”
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Tel : 01995 679606 Garstang Rd , St Michaels on wyre , Preston , Lancashire , PR3 0TJ changes and that had a massive impact on the club and probably the prospects for the season . The squad which now represents Garstang Football Club is a squad the community can connect with . Honest and professional people who really do make me as a manager stand there on the touchline and feel immensely proud .”
Success
“ At the start of the season we appointed a new youth team manager and reserve team manager and assistant , I would have to say that at times they have the hardest jobs in the club . They have always acted in such a professional manner . Communication through the ladder from youth to first team is what is needed in amateur football .
We hold regular meetings and we always value each other ’ s thoughts and ideas . I have to say though that the biggest reason for the small success we have achieved are the players . They deserve more credit than anyone . All the lads work full time and still apply themselves in such a professional manner .
The chairman and the committee have to take a lot of credit too . They are only a small group of people who devote themselves and so much time to make sure the club , pitch , changing rooms , kit , and admin are taken care of for both teams to be able to play on a Saturday . They are the unsung heroes who are hands on . They are the people who make Garstang Football Club special .”
Youth
“ The club needs a youth team now and every year to come in the future . The club has progressed in recent years due to its impressive youth team . It ’ s a major project for the club however being involved within youth football for many years and still involved in the organising of a lot of youth team football tournaments its something I am determined to bring back to the club .
I would love to see juniors playing there football for the club again right through from under 11s to the youth team . It ’ s something that is needed and is a bit of a tragedy that we don ’ t have anymore . The chairman , myself and the committee are committed to making this happen again by involving local people and hopefully players and ex-players in coaching . Steve Smith our current youth team manager has had a successful year and you really can see some excellent players developing in the system . A lot of the youth players have represented the reserve team and even the first team this season .”
Ambitions
“ As a manager the ambition is always to build on the previous season . The junior football is something I would love to see put in place . The five year plan managers always seem to talk about is just a backup to say when it ’ s not going right remember I told you it would take five years .
Five years is too long to talk about in football . Once you start planning ahead I really think you ’ ve lost touch with the on field matters . Me and any manager are only a footnote in the history and future of this club . What is more important is that when the day comes to part our ways we can turn around and say we did alright at that and left it in good hands for someone else to take the reins . Let ’ s see where things take us .” www . footballfocus . biz 37