retired_sweetsoonergirl

This will be my story in management hope you enjoy

retired_sweetsoonergirl

1-6-2007

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!!!!!!
i woke to the annoying sound of my alarm clock and thought to myself as i sipped my cup of tea whilst watching soccer am that this was the day i needed to go out and look for a job as i had been unemployed for nearly 5 month now.

I grabbed my coat and got into my car hoping there was something down at the job centre but to my expectations there was once again nothing available for me which put me down a little bit. As it was saturday and the first day of the football season i raced back home and switched on the football results my team Chelsea were playing at home to Derby county and i was really expecting a big win.

I switched on sky sports 1 and had a look at the latest results Chelsea were winnin 3-1 after 57minutes and i saw that Manchester United were losing at home to Bolton 2-0 which made me happy. The final results for both games ended up Chelsea 5-1 Derby county and Manchester United 2-3 Bolton which meant that the start of the season was a good one as far as i was concerned.

After the games were finished i rushed onto my PC and signed onto AOL and opened my email expecting the same old junk mail. I was busy deleting the 34 junk emails and realised there was a different one which i opened and read. It stated
Hello there Jason this is Gary from the Hirst Welfare and i am sending you this email to tell you that there are level 1 coaching courses going starting next week at the cost of £150 if you are interested the application form is at the bottom of the email just fill it out and send it in with the money if you are interested

In my excitement i opened the application form and printed it off and it was sent the very same day and now it was all about the waiting game.

retired_sweetsoonergirl

8-6-2007

Monday arrived and i was really excited at the prospect of gaining mylevel 1 coaching badge as i felt this could be the start of a good career for me. I walked into the hirst welfare centre to the voices of a lot of people about 23 other people were there for the course.I took my seat and waited for Gary to enter.

Hi everyone and thank you for coming the course will be ran from 9am today until 3pm and until thursday and then on friday will be your assesment to se whether or not you pass or not which will be on from 9am until 1:30pm now lets get started

I was in a rush to get my boots on as we walked down to the astro turf pitches and finally we started it was a good laugh and everyonewas friendly i knew what i was doing of course because i had been playing sunday league football since i was 6 and at the age of 18 now i have progressed a lot. Many players and other managers would say that i am too good for sunday league but i was yet to be discovered from the proffesional world.

As the weekend closed the coaching got a lot easier and finally on friday after my assessment i was happy to hear that i had gained my level 1 coaching badge. I quickly asked Gary if i could have a job as a football coach at the welfare and he was more than happy to ablige. He gave me 10 hours a week to start off at £8 an hour. I raced home and gave my mam and dad a call to tell them the news and they were pleased for me this was the start of something really good for me.

retired_sweetsoonergirl

22-6-2007

After 2 weeks of my coaching i recieved a new email from Gary telling me that a level 2 coaching course was available in Felton not far away from where i live for the price of £210 which i quickly signed up for as i had saved up enough for this. The course was longer this time it took 10 days to finally pass but i made it in the end.

Now my hours at the welfare had increased to 20 hours at the wage of £11 an hour which was good for me.

1-7-2007

The start of a new month and the start of even better things to come i learned through the internet that if i gained my level 3 coaching badge i was eligible to coach a semi professional side so i searched the web for these courses and finally found one. It would cost me £350 and would take 24 days to pass but i signed up for it and with some help passed easily.

Hi mam i am just ringing you to tell you that i have passed my level coaching badge and now i am earning £16 an hour with 30 hours a week at the welfare i am rolling in the money

Thats really good to hear son well done i am too busy to talk so i am going to have to go see you soon

As i passed my level 3 i realsied that i could search for bigger and better things and decided to get into the world of management.

retired_sweetsoonergirl

8-7-2007

I created a CV quickly and sent it into the semi professional clubs which were seeking managers but didnt expect too much interest as i was only 18 years old. These clubs included:
Kettering Town
Burton Albion
Andover
Cowes Football Club

Out of the 4 of the teams the biggest was probably Burton Albion but all 4 were semi professional teams.

9-7-2007

As i woke up i realised that the post had been delivered annd i rushed downstairs to pick it up and seen that Kettering town and Cowes had sent me letters. I opened the Kettering Town letter first to learn that i had been rejected and was not going to get the job so i quickly opened the Cowes letter and realised soon that they wer not interested either.

I rushed onto my PC where i recieved an email from Burton Albion which stated that i had also been rejected by them because of my age as was the case with the other 2 clubs. This only left 1 club Andover as i scrolled down my email i opened an email from some guy called Dave Whelan the chairman from Andover. The email stated that i had been given the chance of an interview which would take place at 3.30 on the 11-7-2007 i was really excited at the prospect my first ever interview with the chance to finally manage a football club for real.

retired_sweetsoonergirl

11-7-2007

The day had come i woke up early 8am and treated myself to a nice full english breakfast and sat down and watched a few channels before rushing out as the trip to Andover was a long drive. As i pulled up outside the stadium i was filled with excitement. I raced into the building and was greeeted by chairman Graham Knight who was very frindly and took me up to his office.

Now Jason i realise that you are at a very young age and we have given you the oppertunity to come in for an interview as there have not been very much interest with the job as manager for our club

Well i am really excited at the prospect of managin a club like Andover

Well that is really good to hear. Now down to buiness why do you think you would make a good manager for our club?

As i am just young i would be able to go out and find this club the up and coming good youth players that are around the country at the moment and as i have recently gained my level 3 coaching badge i feel i will do an excellent job at coaching the lads.

To be honest i think you will find it difficult to tell the likes of Matt Davies our team captain what to do as he is 25 and has a lot of experience how will you cope with this?

Well i feel that i as manager will gain all the respect that i need and if i dont get it i will lay down the law and tell the lads that i am gaffer now trust me i will not be pushed around

That is good to hear and since i really like the look of you and i like what you have said today i am going to make a special deal with you

Yes go on......

Well i am going to let you take charge for our first couple of games in the league and if you gain the respect and confidence from the lads and the staff members then we will see what happens so here is your contract:

Wage: £295 a week
Duration: 4 weeks

This sounds really really good to me and i would just like to thank you for giving me the oppertunity

You are more than welcome Jason and look forward to see you tommorrow

retired_diviney5

so wat happened after that??? lol!

retired_sweetsoonergirl

12-7-2007

After my big day yesterday i had to get my head around things and let it settle in a bit. Also i did not know much about the club so i would have to go talk to the staff. The first person i went to see was the director of youth football Martin Mitty i had to ask directions to his office but i finally made it and entered the rusty door.

Hi there Martin i am Jason Riches the temporary manager of the club and i wanted to ask you a few things about the club if that is ok.

Yes Jason of course it is ok but you will have to make it quick the youth team have training in 20 minutes

Ok then all i need to find out is what the youth development is like here at the club and whether or not it is going somewhere

Yes the youth team here is quite a good side and many of the players are great prospects for the future. I will also be glad to go out on scout searches for you if you ask me

Ok then i am glad to hear that and funny enough you should mention scouting as i would like to assign you to a job for me.

Ok then just tell me what you need

Well i would like for you to go to spain and search the lowr leagues for young talent as i have heard many good players have came from the lower leagues in spain. I will sort you out with the chairman about flights and stuff.

Ok then i am more than ready for that assignment. Now excuse me the youth training is about to start Jason we will speak soon.

Ok then thank you for your help Martin see you soon

retired_sweetsoonergirl

After the discussion with Martin i was off to see Graham the chairman to sort his flights and stuff out. I entered his office which was much bigger than Martins was just for the record

'Hi there Jason what can i do for you'

'Well i have just been speaking to Martin and i have asked him to go out on a scouting assignment for me to spain and i was wondering whether or not you can sort this out for me'

'Well yes of course i can i am ghuessing you will want him to be leaving soon as you are only here for a potential 4 weeks'

'Yes if it is possible i would like for him to leave tommorrow and be back in 2 days time so i can have plenty of time to get to see the players he recommends'

'Ok Jason this will be sorted out and i will have him come by your office when he returns with his recommendations'

'Thanks Graham and about our game tommorow'

'Yes'

'Well as it is my first game in charge i would like to have th pitch in good shape if that is possible'

'Yes the pitch here has always been good and we will have no problem with it tommorow don't worry'

'Ok then thanks a lot Graham see you later'

'Bye'

I shut the door and walked back towards my office and bumped into Phil Andrews the Assistant Manager.

'Hi there i am Jason Riches the new manager of the club at least for 4 weeks anyways'

'Ok i am Phil Anrews the assistant manager if you have any questions i am glad to help'

'Well if you could do me a favour would you please send me a team report into my office later on so i can gain some info on my players and can pick the team tommorow'

'Ok then the report will be on your desk early morning'

'No problem Jason see you later'

'Thanks Phil and see you soon'

As Phil left the corridor i entered my office and relaxed at least only for 20 minutes as i had arranged a team meeting to get to know the players. The meeting room was quite big and as i entered the room there was whispers from the players as they glared at me thinking who is this guy he is young enough to be my kid and thingsm like that. I stood up at the back of the room and spoke.

'Hello there everyone i am Jason Riches the temporary manager of the club the chairman has kindly offered me a contract for 4 weeks to see how things go and after the 4 weeks he will decide whether or not i am the correct man for the job or not. Has anyone got any questions'

'What is the crack for tommorows game Jason'

'I will sort this later in my office all you guys need to do now is go out to train for a 2 hour fitness session and then you ar free to go home and rest for the game'

As i finished that sentence all the players got up and made there way to the dressing room for training io made my way to my office and thought that this is a good start to my management career and this is a nice little club to start with.

retired_sweetsoonergirl

13-7-2007

I wanted to get an early start to the day as it was my first game in charge at the club and today we were at home to Winchester City. Ientered the stadium in my little ford fiesta and entered my office. As promised by Phil there was the team report sitting on my desk which i immedietely read this is how it looked:

Goalkeepers
Dave Hook Age 37
Dave's previous clubs include Southampton, Reading, Hampton, Harrow Borough, Chesham, Hendon, and Newbury. He joined us in June 2007 from Winchester City with whom he won the Wessex League Championship on 2006.
He is a goalkeeper with loads of experience and will be hard to beat. He will also be a great help to the younger players around him.

Rory Anderson - Age 20
Rory played for Southampton Football Club from the ages of 8-12. He was with Winchester City at Youth Level, then Eastleigh, but suffered an injury and was out for a whole season. Moved back to Winchester last season and has now joined us. Has won league and cup winners medals with Winchester Youth and also attended the Gothia Cup with them.
Rory is a confident goalkeeper who is doing very well this season. A good young prospect with a great future and is proving himself well here at Andover Football Club.

Defenders

Craig Martin - Age 28
Craig previous clubs were Huddersfield Town, Halifax Town, Liversedge, and Ossett Town. He also won promotion to the Conference North from the Unibond Premier League with Bradford Park Avenue. He joined Andover from Eastleigh and played in 41 games during the 2006/7 season
Craig is a fit right back who showed his worth last season and was a credit to the club with his attitude and determination.

Glen Damen - Age 36

Glen joined Andover FC from AFC Newbury in December 2000. Previously he was at Thatcham Town where he won the Wessex League Championship and the Wessex League Cup.
He has played 325 games for the club during which time he has scored 23 goals. A vastly experienced and solid player.

Matt Davies - Team Captain- Age 25

Matt started his football career at Southampton where he captained the Youth teams and represented England at under 16, 17 and 18 level. He then went on to play for Bolton Wanderers, Southend United, Mansfield Town and Bournemouth. He started his Non League career with Woking before joining Weymouth, was captain of Salisbury City for two seasons before moving to Windsor & Eton. He then joined Winchester City where he made a large contribution to helping them win the Wessex Football League Championship. He Joined the Lions from Winchester in July 2006 and has since played 51 games for the club scoring three goals.
Matt will be Team Captain this season and brings with him a wealth of experience. He is also fully committed to the "Lions in the Community" scheme. A solid centre back with a vast amount of knowledge of the game.

Mark Keogh - Age 26

Mark has previously played for Broughton, New Street and Bemerton and is now back at the Portway for his second spell for the club. He has won numerous Non League honours including the Hampshire Youth League, the Trophyman Cup and the Hants Senior Cup to name but a few. He has also "scored some amazing goals as well". His words!
After having had a season with Bemerton Heath, he has grown in confidence and with his fitness, will be a great asset to the club this season.

Midfielders

Lance Cooper - Age 24
Lance's previous clubs have been New Street, Bemerton, and Whitchurch. He has also played for Bournemouth and Hampshire at U18 level and had six games for the Lions back in 2001.
He is a promising Centre Back who shows potential and should make his mark this season.

Bobby Swayne - Age 23

Having played for Andover New Street for eleven years from the Youth Team to the First Team and winning the Trophyman Cup with them in 2004, Bobby joined Andover in the summer of 2004.
An excellent Midfielder or Centre Back who has a wealth of experience and is an asset to the club

James Webb - Age 20

James started playing football at 12 years of age for Andover Youth. He had trials for Reading and Swindon at 15 and played for Andover Reserves for two years but had to stop to follow his education, Won England Colleges Leagues with Hartpury College. and has now moved back to Andover.
James is a good defender, and with more games will prove valuable to the club. Has been out the game for a while but shows enthusiasm and flare.

Matt Styles - Age 27

Previously played 70 games for the Lions scoring 10 goals, Matt's other clubs have been Winchester City, Andover New Street and Milton United.
A good midfield player coming back to his fit self who is exciting when on form

David Asker - Age 30

Previous played for Basingstoke, Eastleigh, AFC Newbury and has now returned to the club he left in 2002. David has played 206 games for Andover during which he has scored 50 goals
He is an experienced midfield player who simply never stops running and can also play on the right hand side. He is very fit and his wealth of knowledge should bring experience to younger players around him.

Brady Lilley - Age 23

Brady's previous clubs have been AFC Newbury, Aldershot, Hungerford and Kintbury Rangers from where he joined Andover this summer.
He is young and fit and will bring a lot of movement in midfield. He is also adaptable to play on the right hand side

Dean Stow - Age 20

Dean came to Andover in the middle of the 2006/7 season from Basingstoke Town having previously played for Portsmouth and the Cirencester Academy.
An exciting midfield player who shows lots of promise and will be a player of the future.

Dean Wilson - Age 22


Played for 8 years at Wallesend Boys Club and represented North Tyneside and Northumberland for 4 years. Dean joined the Army at 17 and played at Corps, Army Youth and Combined Services levels for 2 Years. Recently left the Army and signed for us this summer.
Dean is a young, fit and strong player who, with experience, should shine well at Andover. He is a versatile player who can play in the middle and up front.

Lee Chudy - Age 27

Lee joined the Lion’s from Lymington & New Milton in February 2006 having previously played for Basingstoke and Burnham. He has since played 81 games and scored 18 goals.
An exciting left sided midfield player with plenty of experience. He is a key part of the team and is one of the best crossers in the league

Ryan Woodford - Age 19

Ryan has captained Hampshire and played for them on 20 occasions. At College level, he represented England and was captain of Hampshire Colleges for two years as well as captaining Eastleigh Reserves at the age of 17.
He is a promising young midfielder with lots of passion for the game and should fit in well here at Andover

Strikers

Adam Heath - Age 21

Adam joined the club last season from Salisbury City where he won Southern Premier and Wiltshire U18s League winners medals. So far he has scored 15 goals for the club.
He is a young forward who is still gaining experience but when on form, is hard to stop and shows lots of promise. Hopefully he will be able to provide the finishing touches this season

Richard Morse - Age 27

Richard has previously played Southampton, Bashley, AFC Totton and Hamble. He also served a two year apprenticeship at Fulham and represented England at U15 level.
An experienced centre forward who has worked very hard in pre-season to regain his fitness levels. He is now looking very sharp and will fit into the club very well.

Kyle Swayne - Age 19

Kyle comes to Andover from Fort Lewis College in the U.S.A. He started his career at the age of eight with Andover New Street Youth. He then played for Portsmouth U18s as well as their Reserve Team and also represented Hampshire at U18 level. Played three per-season games for the Lions scoring one goal.
He is a promising young striker coming back from injury and should do well this season

After reading the report i was surprised to find out how good the side sounded and was now looking forward to see them on the field.