NEIL’S PLANS ARE ON TRACK

Ramsbottom United manager Neil Hart is confident that after a difficult season this time around, next season will see the Rams challenging for promotion.

 
Neil took over the manager’s chair at the Riverside after the departure of Lee Sculpher in early October, and since then has been working towards reshaping the squad in preparation for next season.  He says it was a challenge to be joining the club at the point he did.

“It was difficult, the club had made a poor start so the players had a losing mentality and I had to try and change that mentality.  Once I knew I had a chance of getting the job I watched Ramsbottom a couple of times so I had a decent idea of the squad they had.

“Although as a manager I knew I had to give every player a chance, I also knew we needed some new faces, especially younger players with a bit of energy.  As well as that I changed the system, 12 new players came into the club, and we lost others to work commitments and other things so the squad has had to put up with a lot of changes.” 

Previously in charge at West Lancashire League side Turton, Neil says that the difference in standard was immediately noticeable.

“Whenever you step up, at any level, you seem to get punished more for mistakes.  The difference between the West Lancashire League and Division One of the Vodkat league is that when you make a mistake, nine times out of ten you get punished.  Everyone is a bit more professional and a bit more organised, so it’s been an eye opener at times, but overall I’m enjoying it and we do feel that we are taking the club forward in the right direction.” 

Slowly but surely, Neil’s work with the squad has led to a more settled side, and he is now focussed on getting a squad together that can challenge next season.

“We’ve got three or four players lined up for next year that will give us that little bit of extra steel we need, but other than that we are almost there.  We need a good pre season with the lads, I felt fitness with one or two of the players I inherited was a problem, but I think we look a fit side now and we are pleased with our progress.  You always think it could be better, but we’re happy with the direction we are going and are looking forward to next season.

“As far as next season is concerned, we are definitely looking at top six finish, that’s the very least I’d expect with the players we’ve got and the others lined up, and we’re gearing up to give it a real good go.”

Original source :  www.nwcfl.co.uk