WITH THE GAFFER - MICHAEL JOHNSTON BANGOR 1876

The Bangor 1876 manager spoke with Media Officer, Chris Parry and gives his insight ahead of todays Play Off final...

You'vehadafantasticfirstseasonintheArdalNorthern LeaguesandyouwereinvolvedintheArdalNorthWesttitle racerightupuntilthelastgameoftheseason.Didyou expectsuchacloselyfoughttitlerace?

I did. Strangely, I don’t think a lot of people involved with the club (outside of the playing and coaching staff) expected us to do as well as we have. A lot of people were hopeful to stabilise in the league and kick on next season and outsiders expecting us to plateau and saw this as as high as we would go. I am an ambitious person as too are my players. They were determined to do well this season. I knew other teams would be strong, not just Denbeigh and Rhyl but the teams which have held their own at this level for numerous years. We had lads in our squad who were playing at the highest level they ever had and to be fair, they stood up to the challenge. We let ourselves down in certain areas of the season and we know that but it was still extremely pleasing to finish top of the league and the end of our season. Denbigh have been great all season and no one can deny they deserve to win it but small moments in the season you look back on and think ‘what if’. But, we have another chance now and don’t want to be left thinking the same thing on Saturday.

CorrigMcGoniglehasscoredanincredible37leaguegoals thisseason.Iknowit'sdifficulttosingleoutoneplayerafter suchastrongcampaignbuthowkeyhavehisgoalsbeenfor you?Itmustgivetherestofthesquadsomuchconfidence knowingtheyhaveaplayerupfrontthatcanbethe difference?

Corrig is unbelievable and his record speaks for itself. There has been times in the season where he has earned us points out of nowhere. People say all he does is score goals and yes, he does but he does a lot more than that if you watch him week in week out. His work rate for the team is immense, his awareness of other people is second to none and the unselfish runs he makes to create space for others is priceless. Most importantly, he is fantastic off the pitch too. If social media wasn’t out there and his goals/records weren’t there for everyone to see, you wouldn’t know. He is really humble and just wants the team to do well not individual accolades. Although, I think it’s fair to say, he will clean up at the presentation night in June but he does deserve it. He has had big offers from teams in tier 3,2 and Welsh prem this year but he knows we have a project here and he wants to see that through.

Thereseemstobesomeuncertaintysurroundingwherethe clubwillbeplayingtheirhomegamesnextseason.Havethe eventsoffthepitchthisweekaffectedyourpreparations fortodaysPlayOffFinal?

Not really, I knew about this after the last game of the season which was followed up by a supporters meeting which I attended. Obviously, it’s clear to see what the issues are but I have seen first hand and been reassured that we have a plan A, B and C to help the club strive forward. My hat goes off to everyone who works behind the scenes to make these things happen and ensure that we can be successful on the pitch. All I do is pick a team and give them instructions, without the volunteers behind us, I couldn’t even do that. So, listening to their plans, I am behind them 100%.

PlayOfffinalsareagreatwaytogainpromotionifyouwin! Buttheycanalsobesocruelifyoudon'twinandfallatthe finalhurdle.Asmanager,howdoyouapproachthistypeof fixture?

Correct, it is a one off game which could go one way or the other. Obviously the players know that there is pressure on this game but they are used to that. Many teams with always raisetheir game against us due to the stature of the club. This being said,we need to be really focused on Saturday as I have seen Cefn a couple of times this season and they are a force. They have a great balance between youth and experience and I know a couple of their players. They, themselves, have wind in their sails trying to get football back in their village too and hopefully they do very soon. Ihave played against them during my time at Brickfield and they were always together, strong and play with high intensity- something we will have to deal with and overcome on Saturday. Hopefully it will beagreat occasion. We trained Tuesday and the lads were in good spirit.

TheBangorsupportersaresynonymousforbeing passionateandloyal.Whatwoulditmeanforyouandyour playerstorewardthatloyaltyandpassionwithpromotion totheCymruNorthtoday?

Yes they are. I don’t think people realise that I have spent over 10 years in the city now and it is one which I hold close tomy heart. The fans are excellent and have been extremely supportiveof the lads and myself. I know I have made mistakes with selection etc this season but they are always there to support and give us the best possible chance and I hope we can repay that faith today. I don’t think even the most optimistic fans will have said we would be where we are 3 seasons after forming. They have risen the club from the ground and hopefully today can be a small thank you to them. Whatever today’s outcome is, I would just like to say a huge thank you to them all a hope they can be the 12th man to push us over the line today.