News: Steep learning curve for new boss (February 2006)
It is difficult to think of a more testing introduction to football management than that experienced by YMCA Football Club manager, Phil Wilton....
The postman from Highridge took on the job with some reluctance last summer and, from the outset, found the task of keeping the newly formed club afloat an almost daily challenge. Wilton's first job was to stabilise the club's critical financial situation which, thanks to false promises by certain individuals, meant the club were handed a series of substantial fines by the Bristol & Avon Football League. However, the matter of balancing the books must have seemed trivial by comparison to the crisis of player availability and, over the harsh Christmas period, the club were forced to cancel several fixtures through lack of interest. Even for an experienced manager of an established team, such trying circumstances would have been cause for great concern but for a new manager....!
But all was not lost and, by the end of January, the outlook for the Golden Hill club was far brighter thanks to an insurgence of quality new players and the steady influence of new treasurer, Adam Gallimore who has taken a firm grip on the club's purse strings.
As the club move into the Spring, there is a new found enthusiasm amongst the growing squad and the prospect of the welcome distraction of a league cup semi-final on the horizon. With performances and results gradually improving, who knows, the huge amount of hard work invested by the 'never-say-die' Wilton and his loyal side-kick, Grant Stiddard may pay off and give everyone a season to remember - for all the right reasons!!
With the half way point of the season gone, ymcacricket.com caught up with the iron-willed football fanatic and asked him to share his thoughts on life as a football manager.
1. What would you say has been the three most important lessons you have learnt since becoming manager?
"Not to rely on so called "friends" who give you their word to help or play, also that no player is bigger than the team, we have had 1 or 2 pre-madonnas this year. And lastly make sure you have a strong and reliable structure to the club before the season starts (as best you can anyway)."
2. What advice would you give to anyone taking on a amateur football team for the first time?
"Make sure players commit to playing for you at a early stage by collecting signing on fees before the season starts, dont just rely on their word (and again, not to rely on friends)."
3. What has been your most positive memory of the season so far?
"It has to be the recent 3-3 draw at home to Severn Beach. It saw Shaun Parker making his first starting appearance for the team and also there were 2/3 new players making there debuts. I think this game has given the team belief and confidence that they are more than able to compete at this level. Performances and team spirit have improved since that result."
4. What are your ambitions for the remainder of the season?
"I have two targets for the remainder of the season. My first target is to see us move off the bottom of the table, which is possible. We have Queen Square Wednesday away this Saturday and they currently lay one place above us, so its potentially a 6 pointer this weekend!. Secondly is to secure our place in the final of the League Cup with a win in the semi's over Crown Parkway."
