YOUNG’S ONES CAN BECOME THE SAFE ONES
CARETAKER chief Neil Young says his FC Halifax Town side have what it takes to move away from the National League relegation zone after taking over from axed Billy Heath in midweek.
Heath, who guided the Shaymen to promotion via the play-offs last season, was relieved of his duties after his side could only muster two wins from 19 league outings, leaving Town four points from safety before their postponed match with Dagenham & Redbridge yesterday.
But Young, who led Chester to three promotions in three seasons from 2010-2013, insists the squad he has temporarily inherited is good enough to stay up. He told The
NLP: “I know Billy very well and I know what his teams are like so I would expect them to put any wrongs right as best as they can. I know that they have all got a first class attitude because that is the main trait he demands from his players.
“It’s been a disappointing run. I’ve been in a rut before but it doesn’t matter if you earn £10 a week or £100,000 a week, players are human beings and everyone lacks a bit of confidence and belief at times.
“I’ve been in a position where I have been doing everything I can – and I know Bill was – and your head can just get fuzzy. But we all know that it is a results-driven industry. Unfortunately, people have to make decisions so we have all just got to move forward.”
And although the former Chester and Altrincham boss hasn’t ruled himself out of the top job on a permanent basis, he believes whoever eventually gets the job will relish the chance.
“I’ve had to work hard as I’ve not had a career as a footballer,” he said. “I don’t see this as a free-go. There is always pressure. I’ve been a football manager and I know about the pressure of trying to win three points. Whilst I am in this role, I will give 120% if there is such a thing.
“It is a fantastic football club, it’s got the infrastructure and the fan-base and they have good players. It is a sleeping giant.”
Young is hopeful of being in charge next weekend as Halifax visit Wrexham at the Racecourse, where he gained one of his most memorable victories as manager, in 2013.
“I have only been there once and we beat them 2-0,” he recalled.
“It was the first time Chester had won there in over 37 years! The fans at Chester never let me forget it!”