Photo by Jonathan White
Last night, new Dabbers manager Paul Carden took his first training session, and we were able to catch up with him beforehand for his first interview since taking over.
On his appointment, he said: “I’m delighted to be here. Nantwich were always a club when I was at Warrington that were always near the top of the league. And whatever the result when I came here, the people upstairs were always complimentary.
“We find ourselves where we are in the league, it’s obviously going to be a challenge but one we’re looking to make the most of.”
Speaking about the task in the last 9 games, he added: “We’ve got to go at it head on, we’re probably going to need a few additions. At this level, individually there isn’t much between the teams, but it’s about consistency. If we can put a framework in place that the players can play to, we can show them what it takes to get results.
And to the supporters, he said: “Success this season is staying up. We can only control what’s in our hands. Any team that is successful, whatever that looks like, is together. Whenever I’ve come here, the Nantwich fans have always shown that togetherness with the team, and that’s going to be vital in the remainder of the season.” The full interview is below.
We also heard from Chairman Jon Gold on everything that’s happened in the last week.
He paid tribute to the efforts of Ritchie Sutton and Gary Taylor-Fletcher, saying: “They’ve put some amazing work in, but it is a results business. Personally it’s sad but I know that they’ll come again as they’re great young coaches; this is just the start for them not the end.”
“We had to act decisively and bring in someone who is known to us and has over many years had success in this league, knows the players and has the contacts to make a difference not just for now but for the longer term.
“It’s very rare that you have a manager of Paul’s calibre become available. The way he works and the style of play his teams have, which is entertaining, meant he was the first call we made. It’s not going to be easy in the short term, but if there’s anyone that can do it, it’s Paul.”
And Jon’s message to the supporters was: “The supporters have been incredible. The support they gave to Ritchie, Gary and the team when there’s not been much to cheer about in the last 6 to 8 months, they’ve always been there, home and away.
“Their spirit is unwavering, and that’s what makes what we do worth it. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we can put smiles back on faces and make them proud to be a Dabber once again.” The full interview is below.