DANNY IS READY FOR MILLER TIME
EXCITED Danny Scopes wants to build a DNA at Aveley just like he did with Concord Rangers as they aim for promotion.
The new Millers boss has taken over following the sudden departure of Keith Rowland after two years at the club.
Scopes most recently led Concord to the 2020 FA Trophy final before making a shock resignation just a week later following club meetings for the new campaign.
Although his new job is two leagues below the Beachboys, Scopes was drawn to Aveley by their ambition. “It’s a well-run club and when you drive into the ground it’s such an impressive ground it wouldn’t look out of place in National League South,” Scopes told The NLP. “The infrastructure is brilliant, run properly by a board of directors who are honest and hard-working, which is what you want.
“It is a successful football club but I think it’s got huge potential to go on with its location to be more successful and, obviously, that’s the aim.
“They want to push forward; they want
to grow the football club in all avenues. I was part of that at Concord where we grew the club, grew a culture and a DNA. I’d like to do that again at Aveley.”
The Essex side beat Basildon United 3-1 in Rowland’s final game last weekend, which left them fourth in Isthmian League North and six points behind leaders Canvey Island.
Scopes spent Sunday speaking to the 19-man squad before meeting them in person the next day – and believes he’s taking over a promising group.
“The challenge is to get promotion whether automatic or in the play-offs,” he said.
Emotion
“I’ve arrived to a good, honest bunch of lads. It doesn’t need wholesale changes, I just feel I can add value to the group across the board.
“It’s always a bit difficult when you have a manager change, there was a little bit of emotion about that and some are disappointed about that. It shows me they’re a good bunch, remorseful for what happened, I feel that shows I’ve got good characters.”
Scopes had to bide his time for a way back into management and has no issues with going in at Step 4.
“I’ve had conversations and been close to other positions through the levels but it either wasn’t quite right for them or me,” he said. “I don’t get too afraid of levels. I look at what the club wants to do, how they want to be successful, the infrastructure, if that’s right then it makes it an exciting job.
“Everybody wants what’s best for Aveley, it’s about trying to make sure the club gets what it wants.”