Gresford entertain Mold Alexandra on the 27th December, we speak to recently appointed manager Steve Halliwell on the game and how life is like as the first team manager.
After Eddie Maurice’s Jones departure to Denbigh, Reserve Team manager Steve Halliwell took interim charge before becoming the full-time manager, Halliwell is enjoying the step-up.
“Yes I’m really enjoying the step up, I played in the village since I was 8 years old coming through the youth setup then stepping into the reserve team captaining them to a couple of cup victories, then eventually into the first team to play in the Cymru Alliance when we were last at this level.
To now be the manager of the club really is a very proud achievement for me.”
Haliwell and Jones share a friendship with each other and was aware that players would move to Denbigh along with Maurice-Jones, but Steve is proud of the performance of the players who have stayed.
“Myself and Eddie are really good friends and before he went to Denbigh we spoke at length about what his plans were going to be regarding players.
I knew we would be losing a few , I am so pleased with the way the lads have performed in the games I’ve been in charge of so far, and that includes 3-4 of the reserve lads that I’ve promoted into the first team squad.
The quality of Max Peate, who is are captain, has a massive part of the changing room, as well as the effort he puts in training, it is an honour to have a player like him in our ranks. He is a massive boost to this club.”
Asked on if the club are looking to recruit after the exits to Denbigh, Haliwell says the players brought in need to match the clubs ambitions.
I’m definitely looking to strengthen the squad, we as a club have big ambitions and to achieve them we need to be strong throughout the club. The reserves are flying as well which is a great thing to see too.
Sometimes results earlier in the season can play on the back of the minds of managers but Haliwell gave praise to the new management staff at Mold as well as saying he is focused on the fixture that will be played now.
“The match against Mold Alexandra we played earlier in the season doesn’t enter my mind. They themselves are under a new management setup and have picked up really well recently. I’m expecting a tough competitive local derby.”
With a tough set of fixtures, a win on Tuesday would boost the team’s top six ambitions.
“I’m sure the lads will be wanting to get 3 points to push us right up into the top 6 mix. We have a really tough set of fixtures in January so to get a win on Tuesday will be a massive push. A win would give us even more confidence to take us into the Caernarfon fixture on the 7th.”
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