On and off the pitch there has been an eventful few weeks here at Edgeley Park. The uncertainty and negativity of a few has been replaced by the excitement and positivity of many. The manager is enjoying managing, the players are enjoying playing, and the fans are enjoying supporting. Isn't that the way it should be!
When I first came to this club I asked for five main principles from all involved on the playing side - Professional, Disciplined, Hardworking, Positive and Committed. They remain very much the fundamental qualities of all our staff. A lot will be talked about with regard to club structure, available finance, squad profiles, team tactics and player selection. But without these fundamental qualities nothing would be achieved. Only through every person applying these principles to their role with the best of their ability will we achieve, progress, and bring the best out of ourselves. I would like to thank all the players and the staff for their huge effort to ensure the magnificent results we have achieved this last week. Nothing has distracted us from the relentless pursuit of improving our performance and delivering positive results. For the football watchers it is about entertainment and excitement. But even for us 'workers' it has been enjoyable and energising. It has renewed our faith in what we stand for. It has also revitalised my belief that we have an incredible collection of good people at the club.
I have needed the lift given by the player's performance, and the staff's recent support in what has been a particularly difficult week for me and my family. There has been much speculation and conjecture about my position. Whether the media misrepresent, or people simple choose to misread the lines quoted, or second guess what lies between the lines, is all beyond my control. All I can do is consistently remind and reassure all the County faithful that I am content with my current contractual position and continue to be proud to be this club's manager. I remain committed to protecting its interest and progressing the football club. Equally as important, I feel responsible for all my staff and players who have committed as much to me as they have the club. I have made many friends and gained much professional respect at the club and would never risk losing that by purely seeking self interest or self gain. That is not my style.
Perhaps to put some perspective or insight to my personal character and professional nature I only have to shed some light on my playing career here at EP. When I was a player I felt that I could realise much of my ambition as a player at Stockport County by helping lift the club from the fourth division to the top of the championship. And how great that achievement would be with such a relatively small club! Throughout some difficult periods I remained committed to my teammates, my supporters and the club. I am glad I stayed for what was ten hard years, with much pain, but plenty of glory. The disappointments of four play off campaigns and four Wembley appearances blown away by the achievement of two promotions and three great years in the Championship. I had genuine belief in what we could achieve as a club and was glad I stayed the course in the pursuit of that ambition for the club. Great People, Great Spirit and Great Times. I guess as a player - Everything I wanted was here.
When I initially came back as a manager my application was purely to ensure the very existence of the club and to maintain their position within the Football League. Once that mission was achieved the club contracted me on a rolling contract to deliver the highly ambitious project of delivering Championship football in four years. I have worked tirelessly and professionally to apply my principles to the club ever since. Over a hundred people have worked under my guidance and almost all have played their part in the progress we have made. I am proud of what we have shaped at this club - What We Are and How We Play.
We stand on the verge of the realistic achievement of Championship football within the coming years. Over the last three years I have spoken at length with our Managing Director Mark Maguire regarding the long-term vision for the club and how we must shape the club to ensure that any football progress is both achievable and sustainable. I respect his commitment and endless work to ensure our shared vision and do hope that the Board of Directors and the Trust Board fully support him in his quest to deliver the finance and the structural development of the club that will ensure the protection and progress of the playing side of the business.
All I want in my management career is to work with good football people. I want to bring together, develop and manage a great collection of players. I love seeing a team grow together, perform and play football in the right manner. We have had some great times already, but I am very driven to create and manage a team capable of delivering further progress and growing into one of the greatest teams the club has ever seen. I guess as a manager - everything I want is here.
Enjoy your club.
