CALUM’S AHEAD OF HIS TIME!
HE´S only 26, but Calum McIntyre says he ‘couldn’t feel more prepared’ to manage Runcorn Linnets.
The NPL North West Division outfit caused a stir when they appointed the rookie last week to replace Michael Ellison.
Linnets say they were bowled over by the enthusiasm, passion and professionalism of McIntyre, who has been head of academy at Chester since 2016 – a role he will continue in.
He also took caretaker charge of the Blues for the final three games of their doomed National League campaign in 2017-18.
As well as a record for developing young players with the Blues, he has also honed his talents by coaching the first team.
“In three of the last four seasons I’ve been on the senior staff at Chester,” he told The NLP. “I’ve gained a lot of experience dealing with players.
“I’ve worked with (Chester co-managers) Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley for the last 12 months and Marcus Bignot before that. I’ve been exposed to some unbelievable people and experiences and I’ve picked things up.”
It’s why McIntyre feels his age should be of no concern to the ambitious Linnets.
“A lot is mentioned about my age, but I’m used to that,” he explained. “I was youth team manager at Chester at 19 and I was caretarker-manager at 24 in the National League. We had already been relegated, but it was important we were competitive to protect the integrity of the division.
“I’ve been ‘too young’ for every job I’ve had, but people listen to me and get a feeling for what I’m about.”
McIntyre believes he has pulled off a masterstroke by appointing the experienced Colin Woodthorpe as his assistant.
The 51-year-old former Chester, Norwich, Aberdeen, Stockport and Bury defender was Dave Challinor’s right-hand man for a decade and enjoyed plenty of success with Colwyn Bay and AFC Fylde.
“I surround myself with experienced people,” McIntyre added. “Colin’s got a playing background that’s second to none, won promotion with Colwyn Bay and helped take Fylde to within 90 minutes of the Football League. It’s a massive coup.”
Choosing where to start your first permanent foray into senior management is a big decision – and McIntyre feels
Runcorn Linnets is the perfect place.
“I’m immensely excited,” he said. “I see it as a club with a huge supporter base and a talented group of players who tasted recent success (they won the North West Counties Premier Division in 2017-18). I can’t wait to get going and hopefully add more success.”
Measured
With his academy coaching background, it’s understandable McIntyre will put some focus on youth. But he’s keen to keep all his options open.
“It’s about balance,” he explained. “You need a mix of experienced heads, who are proven at this level and know what’s required, and younger lads.
“I want energy in the team – that will be a prerequisite of anyone I sign whether they are 19 or 31.
“My contacts will attract players falling out of the pyramid from a higher level to Runcorn Linnets. Our new (hybrid) pitch will be a hook and the style of football we want to play.
“I’ll be looking for a combination of pace, height, experience, youthful exuberance and goals. If it all comes together, we’ll be well worth watching!”
As for whether Runcorn can improve on last season’s tenth place finish, McIntyre is reluctant to make any bold predictions.
He added: “It’s unrealistic to set a target when you haven’t got a full crop of players and you don’t know when the season is going to start.
“I believe I can make Runcorn Linnets a success. The targets we set for ourselves will be measured, not pie in the sky.
“I’m confident in my ability to do the things that bring success, but it won’t happen overnight.”