MAURICE-JONES: CONFIDENCE IS GROWING

Denbigh Town travel to Ruthin Town on the 27th December in a derby clash, Denbigh manager Eddie Maurice-Jones speaks to us pre-match.

After Denbigh parted ways with Gareth Thomas, former player Eddie Maurice-Jones came back to the helm as first team manager, he believes there’s been a change since his appointment back in November.

“Enthusiasm and belief in their ability, therefore confidence is growing. Fans also seem more optimistic and excited for the future.”

From being manager of the month with former side Gresford, Eddie continued that to Denbigh up until losing his first game against Porthmadog on December 10th.

“Although every defeat is painful the management and I accept that it will happen especially during the takeover period.. But we will learn from it. Porthmadog are a well established side in the Cymru Alliance and it was always going to be a test.”

Jake Eyre and Jonathan Hill-Dunt have both followed Eddie from Gresford to Denbigh Town, with Eddie praising them on the quality they possess.

“It’s not so much having players from previous clubs with me, it’s the quality of those players which is important, and getting the best players to Denbigh. It is heartening that they have trusted me and were prepared to move.”

4)Hill-Dunt of course is a Welsh Cup winner and a WPL stalwart, what can he bring to the team? Jonathan and I have worked together for a few seasons and we have a great understanding of each other. He has a huge level of professionalism and the experience to go with it and he will be an asset to Denbigh Town on and off the pitch.

Ruthin away over the festive period for Denbigh, with the added spice of it being a derby, Jones says preparations will stay the same.

“Although it is a derby match we will remain focused and our preparation will be as rigorous as for any match. We need to concentrate and not let emotions take over as I’m sure there will be a big crowd, we will not want to be distracted.”

As someone who is regarded highly in Denbigh, Jones knows more than most about the rivalry against Ruthin, how important is this to himself and the club

“The importance of this game is massive in terms of our position in the league but being a Derby match and the rivalry that the two teams share makes a good result even more important.

I believe whichever team works the hardest will allow their qualities to come through to give their side the best chance. It will be a case of who wants it most on the day and which team is willing to battle on for the duration of the game.”

Some managers are for festive period football, even at a semi-professional level, Eddie is for it.

“I believe that the game can’t come soon enough as we are keen to keep improving, we will hopefully build momentum from our last fixtures but all depends on individual clubs situations. Some players could be away, need a rest etc. Playing over the Christmas period does give fans a chance to watch and support their local team.”