With the fixtures for the new NPL West season due tomorrow, Thursday, and the visit of Morecambe to the JMO this coming Saturday, the Skem Utd Media team caught up, between his busy schedule with Manager Paul McNally.
Well, we are back, you must have been pleased the way last season ended?
Obviously getting promoted the way we did will live long in the memory of not just myself but the backroom staff, players and the supporters that made the trip to Cinderford Town.
Then the Macclesfield game in the Cup. It was all a bit of an anti-climax when we were beaten by Charnock in the Semi Final. I would have preferred if the season had ended a week early but I suppose you can’t have everything.
Pre-Season is now upon us, have you enjoyed the break?
I said after the defeat at Charnock I was going to take a two week break from football, that didn’t materialise, I was on the phone constantly, talking to my fellow Managers, players wanting to come and sign for us, trying to do deals, just trying to get the edge on our opponents. as a manager you never get the chance to put it to bed for a week or two, there is always something on the go.
Then with my job at the Liverpool Overseas Academy we have undertaken two overseas trips, spending a week in Iceland and a further week in Finland, before you know it, it was time to get the lads back together. It’s all part of the trials and tribulations of a Football Manager at any level.
I also managed to get a much needed break away with the wife and family, I still had my phone on!
There is an interesting mix of fixtures in the pre-season games, should be a good test?
The fixtures that we have gives us a good opportunity to view some younger lads who are looking to make the grade, for some this will be their first step up at this level, we can see how they develop and fit into our system.
The results are not the most important part of the build-up, obviously it’s nice to have a win or two under your belt but getting the players match fit and ready to go when the season kicks off in earnest is paramount if we are to have a good season.
Any new faces expected to join the squad?
I am quite happy with the squad we had that finished last season, we were just short of numbers on a few occasions, so we will be looking to build up the players we have available.
We have been working hard during the break to secure a number of players, some you will already have seen, others will still be on holiday or making their minds up which club to join.
It’s a complex balancing act, taking into account what they require in the way of wages, if they fit into our work ethos and are they better than the players that we have, we would love to be in the position of having a wealthy backer like Macclesfield or Rylands but until that time we have to keep looking and searching to bring whatever is the best for the club.
Which games are you looking forward to this season?
As a club, this is where we belong, we have enjoyed our time in the North West Counties, the club had a couple of bad years that ended in relegation, those times are hopefully behind us.
The club as a whole have regrouped and now, we can look forward to plenty of local “Derbies”, Bootle and City of Liverpool are just down the road and should bring a good away following that will create a great atmosphere here at the JMO, so too will Cables & Runcorn.
Workington, in my eyes are a big club at this level and look forward to pitting our skills against them and of course not forgetting Macclesfield who again have spent big and will no doubt bring a large crowd yet again.
We will be looking forward to every game, we will need the support from our fans to give us a level playing field against the so called big boys, so hopefully the locals will get down and give Skem their backing.
Where do you hope to be at the turn of the year?
Top of the league, into the draw for the 3rd round of the FA Cup and a good run in the FA Trophy, well we can all dream cant we?
I suppose the Marine fans also thought that back in 2020 and look what happened to them !!!, FA Cup live on National TV against Premier League opposition, it does happen.
Realistically, to hold our own, I would be happy to be mid table, and a good cup run under our belts, there are plenty of good established sides in our league and we are under no illusions with the task ahead, I believe in the players and you never know we could surprise a few teams.
What do you make of the cup draws?
It could have been a lot worse; we are up against someone we know, Padiham will be wanting to put one over on us no doubt but at least it’s at home and that’s all you can ask for.
Widnes in the Trophy, they are a team we should be competing at this level, again it won’t be an easy game but the incentive is there for a trip to Macclesfield in the next round.
…………and finally, Who do you think will win the League?
The million-dollar question, a number of sides will be thinking it’s their year but I would look no further than Workington who will be a force to be reckoned with or Macclesfield and Macc know what we are capable of, so you never know, just can’t wait now to get started.
Cheers Paul.
We look forward to seeing you all down at the JMO this Saturday as United take on Morecambe.
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