In the summer Holywell Town appointed first team player Gareth Sudlow as manager of the club, and despite a difficult start, Sudlow got his first win in charge last weekend against Llanrhaeadr.
Having taken the position from the popular Johnny Haseldin, Sudlow was set a tough task. Transitioning from playing the game to being the man in the dugout is not easily done, and Sudlow has experienced the difficulties first hand.
However, the former defender has stated that the difficulties have been exactly as he suspected and he’s enjoying the experience.
“I’ll be honest it’s been very, very tough which I always knew it was going to be. Having to get numbers for training or organising the ground to be open for treatments is a million miles away from being a player but I’m enjoying it and being fully hands on.
On the pitch we had holidays and work commitments for the first 2-3 games which didn’t help but now we have a much more settled squad and I’ve got every confidence we will turn our performances into wins.”
Holywell started the season with back-to-back losses against Ruthin Town and Penrhyncoch, before they picked up a point in a 2-2 draw against Flint Town United.
But, the manager and club got their first win in the league last weekend beating newly promoted and in-form side Llanrhaeadr. A victory the Holywell boss was delighted to secure.
“I was made up. With not winning in our first few games even when we had played well in large patches it was a concern however we said as a squad it was all about the result on Saturday and the lads were brilliant to get the win on the board and now we look to build on that and put a run of wins together.”
But, the manager now has his sights set on securing a consecutive victory as he takes his charges to one of his former clubs, as they face Conwy Borough this Friday at Halkyn Road.
“Yeah I’m really looking forward to this one. When the fixtures came out it was one of the ones I looked for straight away. I had a great few years at Conwy and really enjoyed my time there so I can’t wait to catch up with a few old faces.”
But he knows and expects the game to be a tough battle this evening.
After watching Conwy’s impressive performance against Denbigh Town last Friday, the former Conwy player was full of praise of his former club.
“Conwy were very good against Denbigh. They are a young, hungry side who work hard for one another and we know we are in for a tough game. That said I have every confidence in our boys to build on Saturdays success with another positive result and performance.”
Sudlow confirmed that Jack Pennington and Paul D Williams are both struggling with injuries and are doubtful for the game.
(Featured image: Holywell Town F.C.)
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