Jerry’s thoughts ahead of Welling match

The reset button has been hit. It’s really important we have a group that step out onto the pitch today that are confident and feel comfortable in expressing themselves in all aspects of their game. We have been positive with them in training and conversations with individuals in how we can restore some form and in turn some positive results.

This is the first real big challenge I have faced in my managerial career and I will attack it like only I know how. Keep working hard, thinking with a clear mind and trying to take all the emotion and sentiment out of the situation. Of course I have to show empathy and listen to individual player situations but in the end I have to do what’s best for the team and the football club.

I am fortunate enough to have some good friends in the game who have Premier League and EFL managerial experience and their support and advice is always invaluable. I am constantly learning and developing as a coach and manager and, as we all know, football has many downs and only a very few ups as we have all experienced.

So for me, reflecting on what my teams have looked like over the last four years, what made us so successful and how we can get back to looking like a Bath City TEAM has been my focus.

I want to welcome Zak Delaney, Jordan Dyer and Tom Mehew to Bath City, they are all the type of players and person I want in the group and I am sure they will have a positive effect on the team, they are all very excited to get going here today.

Going the opposite way is Dan Ball to Swindon Supermarine on loan until the end of the season. We all wish Bally the very best in getting some regular game time which I was unable to guarantee him.

Finally, I have to give a huge thank you to one of my now best mates and long-time assistants Jimbo. We have lived and breathed this job together and had some very memorable times on and off the pitch. Jim has had to step away due to personal reasons not connected to football. I had to be respectful to his decision and I know it was probably one of the toughest ones he has ever had to make. He will be sorely missed by us all but we have made a pact that we both meet once a week for a coffee as we have formed such an amazing friendship that will remain and never go away. I have got an agreement signed off by the board that we will honour a long overdue testimonial for Jim, I will be chairing the committee that will be announced very soon. I am sure we will see Jim in the near future in the stands watching us from a more unfamiliar position. “Thanks for everything my friend, I promise I will call you only once a day now, it’s your round first!!!”

I would like everyone to welcome Andy Watts as my new assistant to the football club. We have known each other since childhood and he knows exactly how I work and with that comes trust both ways. Andy played to a high level of non-league football and has previously been our first team scout for a number of seasons so is fully aware of our philosophy and the players in the squad.

Back to business and the job at hand for us all. A run of home games and a squad that will be new, fresh and hungry to succeed, gives us a great chance to get some points on the board. Thanks for your amazing support, please get behind the lads they will need you at your best. Enjoy the game.

JERRY