We want to build a long-term identity says manager
HINCKLEY AFC manager John Ramshaw says he wants to create a long-term identity at the club, and not just focus on the coming weeks and months, writes Liam Gibbs. THE former Mansfield Town academy boss has continued to shift the club’s focus over recent weeks, with developing younger players now even more at the forefront of his plans.
But he says that doesn’t necessarily mean just blooding Under 18s, but players with a connection to the local area - and says league rivals NKF Burbage, who have risen through the leagues recently, are a prime example of what developing a group can do.
He said: “We still want to retain an element of experience, through players like Jean Dakouri who have a great attitude, but we want more young local players.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean just Under 18s, but young players like Liam Cross, who’s a local lad and has come in during recent weeks, and another who we’re in talks with.
“Burbage are the sort of model to adapt. It creates a bond with the club, and that means longevity.
“When you look at the turnover of players the club’s had over the last few years, it makes success and progress very difficult.”
Ramshaw has seen four players leave his squad over the last couple of weeks. Sam Belcher has joined Coventry United and Callum Willimont Peterborough Northern Star, while Jason Lee and Dan Mullarkey have also left.
Belcher and Lee have been mainstays in the team this season, but Ramshaw felt the time was right for them to find other clubs while AFC develop a younger squad.
He added that Mullarkey struggled to displace Chad Timson at right back, while Willimont preferred a move closer to home.
And Ramshaw admitted that the last couple of performances against Racing Club Warwick meant changes had to be made.
“I’m not going to put lipstick on a pig and dress it up to be something it isn’t. We weren’t good enough against Racing Club Warwick, and it was unacceptable.
“We couldn’t keep seeing displays like that from experienced players, so we decided to make changes.
“Results are still important, they’re important to me, to the players, the Board and the supporters - but we’re looking at a different approach to get them.
“It’s all geared towards a longterm approach to build the foundations on which we hope we can get long-term success.”
He urges members and supporters to be patient while he implements that identity, and hopes the club will reap the rewards for that in seasons to come.
“We’re working within the budget and with common sense for the development of the club.
“We want to build the foundations to develop the entire club, and not just a team of players where there’s no loyalty. We need to dispense with that lack of loyalty and there’s no better time to start than now.”