BEES BOSS FISH OUT AJAY’S NO OF WATER
AJAY Ashanike says he’s ready to become a Step 4 manager – and has thanked predecessor Darren Manning for putting his name forward for the Basildon United gig.
Ashanike, 35, has left Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division Fisher to become new manager at the Isthmian Division One North Bees.
The post was left vacant by Manning after he took over at boyhood club Grays Athletic last month.
Former Tower Hamlets boss Ashanike has a reputation in Non-League for developing young footballers as well as the on-field success in recent seasons at the Fish.
But he feels the timing is now right to step up a level and is convinced the Bees are a perfect fit.
“Darren is a good friend of mine and he’s part of the people who put my name forward that it’s time for me to step up,” Ashanike told The NLP.
“I can’t thank him enough. He’s left a good, good squad for us to come into.
“He is someone I respect really highly and I respect his opinion as well. He’s done a really good job and my job now is to continue where he’s left off and make Basildon fans proud.”
And with his new side fourth in the table ahead of yesterday’s trip to league leaders Lowestoft Town, Ashanike is aiming for a seamless transition.
“I’ve got a few boys who played for me last season in the squad, which makes it easier because they’ve been telling everyone what we do and how we take sessions,” Ashanike said. “That’s good for us. It’s business as usual. I’m not looking to change a lot. I am going to buy into the way they work and then the time will come when they buy into the way I work.
“But if it’s working, why break it? I am someone who adapts to the surroundings I am in.”
Ashanike has been humbled by the messages of support since leaving Fisher and it’s allowed time for reflection on his time there.
Last season they took National League South Welling United to a replay in the FA Cup, while there was also a cup final before, this year, putting themselves in the play-off mix.
Philosophy
“When you’re in it, it’s day by day and we didn’t get time to enjoy what we’ve actually done,” Ashanike said. “It’s when you finish and you see the messages from fans.
“This was announced on Sunday so I took Monday evening to digest everything and see what we’ve accomplished
at Fisher. What we’ve heard from people and what people have been saying about us is incredible.
“We had a zoom call to see the plan going forward and what we can do to affect what we’re going to over at Basildon.
“We got to the topic of what we’ve actually achieved at Fisher. We’re proud of ourselves for what we’ve done with absolutely no budget. Credit to those boys.” But, for
Ashanike, the achievements also extend to player development with success stories such as defender Adebola Oluwo, who is receiving high praise at National League Barnet after joining Chelmsford City from Fisher, and Jamie Yila, who has stepped up with Chatham Town.
“Someone asked me a couple of months ago: how do you judge success?” he said. “Some look at it as wanting to win the league. My success is producing young players. Players who aren’t known to anyone, that’s what we thrive off.
“We want to keep doing the same thing and see where Basildon can lead us to.
“The philosophy of trying to produce top players and finding gems people haven’t given a chance to, developing them as a man and a player, is always going to be top of my agenda. That’s what I am looking forward to.”