New manager

[dalevillain]

I think this is the right call, good to keep continuity for now. For me it’s the best chance we have of promotion with the current squad and appointing the current assistant and coaches who know the players and the club already is a good decision.

My fear was if a new manager came in and ripped the current squad apart it would unsettle us and potentially derail the season, which is crazy when we are top of the league.

It’s clear to see from the reaction on Saturday that the players respect the current set up too so I think they deserve a crack at the job. They have my full support anyway.

[piearce9]

Very happy with this. The squad is more than good enough so really the task is to maximise what we already have, rather than changing course. Good luck to them.

I notice Bromsgrove have also quickly made an appointment too. A certain Michael McGrath.

[YeltzDoc]

Shame, I was enjoying the (short lived) speculation.
The easiest decision probably.
The right decision? Probably.

Better than someone off the musical chairs, and better than someone who comes in and tears it up. And the collective calm continuity creates must be a good thing.

From what I understand Craig has UEFA Level A and good experience in the Youth and Women's game and works full time in coaching; and Martin has managed, coached or been assistant at loads of clubs locally, although perhaps a few too many spells at our old friends in Rugby for some

On paper it’s a good fit. And promoting from within, along with talent management, probably fit well with Karen’s professional life. Although I doubt that either were being groomed for the top job.

Slight nerves about the step up, the coaches and assistants are usually a good bridge and a pressure valve between players and management, but it’s different when the bollockings and spells on the bench need handing out, especially given some of the, erm, “big personalities” in the dressing room.

But, continuity is king, so long live the king(s).

Wasn’t Stewart Hall assistant to Johnny Morris?

[drummyb]

Well, it makes sense I guess. No-one knows how it will pan out, in the same way we wouldnt if someone new came in. Without a doubt they will get everyones support though.
Good luck gents

[Noggin]

Sensible decision to have an element of continuity and then re-assess at the end of the season. Certainly better than wholesale change with the player turnover that would entail.
The big question is whether we can start to win big matches against the teams around us which we have been spectacularly bad at in recent years. Turning over the Yaxleys of this world is not much use if we cannot hold our own against the Stamfords/Chasetowns/Ilkestons

[YeltzDoc]

Whilst I doubt it was the major driver, it’s a decision that saves a quid too.
Undoubtedly “Sockolls” - as I’m sure they’ll be known, in the Brangelina / Kimye envelope - have had a tickle but still a saving on the full Boss Man’s wedge.

[YeltzDoc]

Undoubtedly “Sockolls” - as I’m sure they’ll be known, in the Brangelina / Kimye envelope

“Nickett”?

Nah, “Sockolls” it is.

[Josh1873]

I believe this is a good move by the club, and I wish all the best to both. I don't know enough about non-league to comment on who should or should not have been in the running for the job, but I'm happy with this decision. It's brilliant to see Keith & Karen acting quickly rather than taking time & having a cloud of uncertainty over the club, which could, and probably would have affected the results/performances on the pitch. Continuity is key. I believe the squad and tactics need tweaking, some players should probably move on, and we could do with 2 or 3 fresh faces, but we don't need a complete overhaul.

I do believe this is a strong indication (coupled with Karen's comments on BCR regarding the door being open for Paul) that Paul will eventually re-take over the manager's position once he has gotten himself into a place where he can give 100%. I'm certainly not opposed to the idea, but it does leave us with questions that will be difficult to answer, if this appointment proves to be successful.

If that is the plan (and I'm only second guessing here!) what happens if SockNich earn promotion? You can't hand back the reigns to someone who failed to get the club promoted previously, can you? Again, that's purely speculation on my part!

It'll probably be seen as disrespectful of me to speculate like I have done, but I certainly mean no harm.

[andy]

Yep, well happy with that. Good luck gents!

[piearce9]

Undoubtedly “Sockolls” - as I’m sure they’ll be known, in the Brangelina / Kimye envelope

“Nickett”?

Nah, “Sockolls” it is.

May I throw "Sockett & C" into the ring