Looking ahead 2023; Ollerton Town Joint Manager Craig Collins
Looking ahead 2023/24 Season
Ollerton Town Joint Manager Craig Collins
On May 30th Ollerton Town announced that Craig Collins & Tom Chambers would be taking over as joint managers of the first team. With the Northern Counties East League Division 1 season fast approaching. Craig kindly agreed to let me asking some questions looking ahead to the incoming season.
Without looking too much on last season. You came in following the accountment that Ollerton were allocated to NCEL D1. Did this give you a blank sheet to work from club wise?
Yeah we was preparing for that scenario and had a list of players to approach. We have had great numbers down to the initial sessions before starting to trim the squad to what we want.
And how did you find working from that blank sheet?
In a way it was really good, myself and Tom could put our own stamp on things. Rather than inheriting players that might not fit into what we want to do or achieve. Even players coming in knowing that all positions are up for grabs, thats really helped with the competitiveness for positions.
Player registrations are now going through, how is your Ollerton squad shaping up now were a few friendlies in and heading towards 29th July?
We in a good place considering where we started which in honesty was probably a few weeks behind everyone else. We’ve seen progress from game to game, the players are really buying into the style of play myself and Tom want.
Recently announced partnership with G3A academy, how will this work and what will the benefit for both sides for the coming season?
I think its a great partnership which will benefit both parties. It gives G3A the opportunity to extend their playing pathway to U21s level whilst being hosted at the club. Then from a 1st team point of view, the ones excelling can progress to the senior set up. We have already recruited 4/5 that have come through the G3A academy for the first team for this coming season.
And finally, if you have one message from the fans of Ollerton Town going into the new season?
Its going to be a tough test this season, but one we go into with great optimism. We are huge underdogs in the division but we will surprise a few. Come down and support the lads. Up The Town.
Thank you Craig for your time to have a chat about the coming season. I will certainly make sure I come see your Ollerton side in action and best of luck for the coming season.
Until the next one,
Peace,
Luke @PL2NL
