MY FRACT FINDING MISSION!
Monkhouse revels in top job
ANDY Monkhouse wants his new Pontefract Collieries side to be competitive and play football the right way as he gears up for his first season in charge.
The former Rotherham and Hartlepool United winger took over the reins in April following the departure of Craig Parry and Craig Rouse.
Monkhouse is currently conducting his first pre-season campaign as he looks to steer the Wakefield outfit out of NPL Division One North West and into Step 3 for the first time in their history.
First, though, is an FA Cup preliminary round game at Hebburn Town or Hemsworth Miners Welfare on September 12, so there’s plenty for Monkhouse to look forward to.
“I’m settling in really well,” he told The NLP. “We’re starting to get back to some normality despite the current situation. We’ve played pre-season games, albeit with no fans in the ground, but we’re playing and it’s important for the lads to get the minutes under their belts.”
Since taking over, Monkhouse has wasted no time in the transfer market. He has brought in a number of new players – former Barnsley man Jordan Barnett and ex-Guiseley player Scott Smith among the new additions.
“I’m happy with where we are at the minute,” he added. “I know I want to strengthen and I need to strengthen but things like that take time. The better players at this level get snapped up quite quickly so it’s all about being on the phone and going out to watch games.
“I know where I want to strengthen and where we need it but, at the minute, I’m happy with what I’ve got. It’s early days and we’ve still got a long time to go before the season starts.
“It gives us plenty of time to bring the right players in. I’m not going to sign just anybody. There’s a way I want to play and a type of person I want to bring into the club.”
Collieries enjoyed two promotions in four years under their former management – through the North West Counties League – but Monkhouse insists there is no additional pressure from the club to continue their rise.
“The pressure comes from myself,” explains the 39-yearold. “I put myself under pressure to get results. I know that the previous management team did really well.
“They did things that were successful. That’s fair play to them but this is going to be seen as a bit of a change. When it comes to the season, I’m under no illusions that we have to win football matches and that’s what I will be doing, my staff will be doing and my players will be doing.
“I want to play football the right way. It is difficult when the weather turns and the pitches get difficult but there’s a way I want to play.
“Ultimately, we have to win football games and sometimes it will be pretty, other times it will be the case of playing a little bit differently to get results.
Understand
“The players that I’m bringing in understand that’s the case. We’re not thinking that we’re going to pass the ball and play football because at this level it’s not possible. We’ll have to mix it up at times and that’s why it’s important to get the right players in.”
At least, however, Pontefract can now allow their loyal following in to help raise much-needed income – a positive which delights the new manager.
“Everyone knows the situation that football is in. Fans needed to be let in; obviously only when it was safe.
“Droylsden have gone out of the league already and if the fans aren’t let in, when does the season start?
“It’s difficult to plan but we’ve just got to plan as if the season, the FA Cup, is going to start on the 12th. The league will start on the 19th.
“We had to plan to those dates but it’s great to have the fans with us. Otherwise the season wouldn’t have started.”