Positive vibes are on the rise says McNally

PAUL McNally says he was surprised by the attitude of some Skelmersdale United stars after accepting the managerial hotseat last season.

McNally, despite an upturn in performances, was unable to save the Blues from relegation to the NWCFL Premier Division after a 13-year association with the Bet Victor league.

Despite this, the former Litherland REMYCA boss has masterminded a positive start to the new campaign after bringing in several of his own players.

United overcome New Mills 5-2 in the FA Vase last weekend and will be hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier Division when they welcome Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday.

When asked if it was difficult to clear the decks during the summer, McNally replied: “It’s been a bit of both. When I’ve taken over I had lads who were very different.

“They thought they were just playing football and that continued last season but I was getting a core of good lads in and I was wanting to keep them.

“There was a couple I knew I’d lose or move on which was fine. I was trying to get them to realise they’re not just turning up on a Saturday and playing.

“They’re playing for the people who support the club, who are the lifeblood of the club, and just connecting with them.”

United defeated Penistone Church in the FA Cup last month before later being knocked out by City of Liverpool but McNally revealed the victory had an uplifting effect on mood around the club.

“That’s our first coach journey we’ve had,” he explained.

“We usually travel by car but there was karaoke at the bag, singing for their initiations, some of the fans were joining in and having a drink.

“Everyone had a big, happy, positive atmosphere.

“Everything is breeding positivity.

“I don’t like negativity around the club and we’re breeding positivity at the moment which is good.”