Ryan is relishing challenge in new role with Magpies
RYAN Harley is relishing the challenge at Notts County after becoming assistant manager.
He was appointed alongside new head coach Luke Williams earlier this week.
Their arrival comes after the departure of previous head coach Ian Burchnall, who left the club in May to join League One side Forest Green Rovers. His Magpies side fell short of promotion in the National League play-offs.
When asked by the Nottingham Post how he was feeling about his new role, Harley said: “Very excited, it’s a very good challenge.
“It’s obviously an incredibly good football club, so many good things about it. The challenge is to get to the top of the division, which is never easy.
“I played here many times as a player, I always enjoyed coming here. It’s a football club with a good history and we’re looking forward to it.
“They had a good season last year, they just have to take that next step which, hopefully, we can do this year.”
Harley enjoyed a long playing career, appearing in every division of the EFL.
The 37-year-old also played nonleague football, winning in the Conference play-offs with Exeter City before securing back-to-back promotions with the Grecians in League Two the following season.
The midfielder also won promotion with MK Dons in 2018-19 and coached there with Williams, who arrived at Stadium MK the following season.
Harley also played at Brighton & Hove Albion and Swindon Town during Williams’ time at both clubs.
The relationship between a head coach and his assistant can be the key to success at any level of football. Harley expects good chemistry on the training pitch and on the sidelines.
“We’ve known each other for a long time and we obviously think about the game in the same way, which is why we are working together,” Harley added.
“It’s never easy to find in football but we’re quite well suited.”