KINGFISHERS ARE DANNY’S BEST BUNCH
DANNY ROBINSON believes this current Thatcham Town squad are the best he’s ever managed as he guns for the 16th trophy of his career.
The 34-year-old has led the Kingfishers to the top of the BetVictor Southern League Division One South with a first ever place at Step 3 firmly in their sights.
Robinson, who started managing at the age of 21, won the FA Vase and the Hellenic League in 2018 to complete a historic double and after a season at Step 4, has built a squad challenging for the title.
“We lost 15 players and two of the management as well,” he told The NLP of the summer after their Vase success. “It was a complete and utter rebuild in a, not being disrespectful to the Hellenic League, lot tougher and stronger league.
“Last year paved the way. Once you acclimatise and know what’s required, I feel like I’m a good enough manager to adapt to it.”
The Berkshire club have gone from strength to strength since Robinson took over five seasons ago with the club languishing in mid-table of the Hellenic Premier.
His most recent twoyear contract expires at the end of the season and although preliminary talks have been held with chairman Dave Melin, nothing concrete has been finalised.
But Robinson wants to achieve his ambitions with the club.
“I live in Thatcham, I grew up watching them in the Wessex League playing against the likes Winchester City when they won the Vase,” he said. “It’s my hometown club and I thought it was a fantastic project to be involved in. “Collectively the squad we’ve got now is the best I’ve known at Thatcham. The club’s got bigger and bigger off the pitch as well as on it.
“The best thing about Thatcham is there’s not one money man, the club is self-sufficient. It is one of the best Non-League football clubs you can be at in that aspect.
“My ambition is to manage as high as I possibly can. Fingers crossed that will be with Thatcham and we can make that step together. “It’s been a hell of a journey and long may that continue. I live, eat and breathe football, as my wife will tell you! “I believe if you work hard you’ll reap what you sow.”