John Haseldin is in his fifth season in charge of the Wellmen, he spoke to Clwb Pêl-Droed on the season so far and how he rates his side.
Interestingly, in the 2013-2014 Welsh Cup, he took the side to the semi-finals whilst being in the third tier.
You’ve started the season well, are you pleased with the way you’ve started?
I think it’s been a steady start for us this season, winning your opening game always helps but we have dropped silly points here and there which is frustrating, I still feel we should be unbeaten.
Defensively we have been very strong but haven’t scored enough but I honestly think it’s only a matter of time with the players we have that it comes together that end as well.
What performance have you been most pleased from this season?
The stand out performance for me so far this season would be Flint Town United away. We were second best for the opening half hour of the game, deserving to go a goal down. The way the lads reacted after that was magnificent, to go on and win the game after being a goal down in front of crowd of 700 was very pleasing.
You’ve recently signed Lee Healey, what does he bring that you didn’t have?
Lee Healey is a top player and will score goals at any level. We haven’t scored as many as we would have liked this season and he’ll certainly help in that department. He’s quick, powerful and confident, which will hopefully rub off on some of the younger players in the squad.
What away ground do you like going to?
I like Alyn Park at Mold, it’s a good surface and I scored my first goal for Holywell there a fair few years ago now and have always done well there as a player and a manager. The Oval at Caernarfon, always get a good welcome from the locals there.
How do you like your teams to play?
I’d like to think over the last five seasons we have always tried to play good football, we have built a team based around working hard, being fit and a strong team spirit and encouraged the lads to play football when possible.
What do you do when you’re not managing?
In the little time I have left when I’m not managing, I’m either in work or spending time with my family.
On a serious note, I think anyone managing a football team at grassroots level deserves a lot of respect and credit because it is so time consuming and sometimes, for some, stressful and not rewarding.
I’m lucky I have brilliant support from home and the committee at Holywell. Without that then it would be impossible for me to do the job.
Have you been surprised with any teams this season?
If I’m honest, not really. I tipped Prestatyn to push Caernarfon for the league. Llanfair don’t get any credit but are a very difficult team to play against on their day so when they get a result it doesn’t surprise me. Denbigh have had a poor start but I’m sure Gareth Perry will turn that round if given enough time.
What’s the target for Holywell this season?
The targets for us is simple, always try and do better than the year before. It won’t be easy, we had a excellent first season back in the Huws Gray Alliance finishing 5th and a Cup Final so we want to try and better that if possible.
I think we have a stronger squad than last year, if we have a bit more luck with injuries then I think it’s possible. We love the Welsh Cup here, after our run to the semi-finals a few seasons back, we would love to have a good run in that again for our loyal supporters.
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