MIXING IT WITH THE BRIG BOYS!
JAMIE MILLIGAN reckons Bamber Bridge’s good form ahead of the FA Cup break was helped by a steep opening-day learning curve against Buxton.
Milligan’s Brig were beaten 3-0 by the fancied Bucks but have given their boss the perfect response.
Four wins – including a 4-1 victory against Hyde as well as a 5-1 triumph over Gainsborough Trinity – and a draw sees them fourth in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division.
Yesterday was a break from league action as they took on West Allotment Celtic in the FA Cup, but the former Fylde and Fleetwood midfielder couldn’t be happier with his young charges.
“I knew the Buxton game was going to be a tough one but it was a good time to play them because it was a good eye-opener for our young lads,” Milligan told The NLP.
“They were physical, experienced lads, who know the game. It was a good experience because our lads were then thinking, ‘Right, this is what it’s about. We need to dig in here’.
“We’ve had a response in the next five games and they’ve been brilliant. It’s not great to lose a game. But afterwards you have to look at the bigger picture.
Rebuild
“We’ve got some young lads – three on loan from Blackpool and Fleetwood – so it was good to get that one out the way. We know Buxton are going to be up there, they are a good side.
“That’s why the response is all the more pleasing. You’ve got to compete in this league, no matter what and then earn the right to play the football we want to play. The players have worked so hard every game. I am buzzing with them.”
Blackpool loanee Ewan Bange has been impressing as has Brig youngster Isaac Sinclair, son of former England international Trevor, in the opening weeks of the season.
With some big departures in the summer including Matt Lawlor, who retired, and Ali Waddecar, now at FC United, it’s been a bit of a summer rebuild.
Enjoyable
But Milligan, 41, says the youthful feel is a key part of how the club wants to be.
“I’ve been there as a young lad and made mistakes,” the former Everton midfielder said. “If I can help these young boys try and make the right choices. When I was a younger, you don’t really have anyone to guide you – it was a little bit different.
“I like developing young lads and seeing them do well. George Thomason has gone on to Bolton. Jamie Thomas has just signed for Preston. I like to see these lads do well.
“I want to win games. But it isn’t the be all and end all. Not at Bamber Bridge it isn’t. It’s also about trying to develop players, maybe make the club a few quid, and do well. As it is at the minute, we’re doing quite well.
Milligan does have experience to call on – Mark Yeates, 36, brings bags of Football League experience and was on the scoresheet in Monday’s 2-2 draw with Warrington.
And the boss thinks creating an enjoyable atmosphere is showing in their results.
“I’m lucky, because I’ve got a loyal squad,” Milligan, who still turns out for son Jordan’s Sunday League team, said. “We have players who shouldn’t be here. But they enjoy it. The environment me and my assistant, John Hills, create means they come in and want to train and play. They just love being out together; it’s a good place to be.”