Celebrating 50 Successful Matches at the Helm

CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL 50 MATCHES AT THE HELM

WORDS // RHIAN TILLEY

Today’s match marks an important and successful milestone for head coach Richard Kay. He sat down before the cup match against Dunlop to discuss the past 50 matches, the game today, and his hopes for his next 50 matches in charge.

Today’s match marks your 50th in charge at Southam United Men’s First Team. What does this milestone mean to you, especially given the circumstances these past two years?

It’s a milestone I’m very proud of to reach my 50th competitive game in charge of Southam United. To reach 50 games has taken nearly three seasons which has shown the impact the pandemic has had an all levels of football, from the Premier League to Non League. Also being an exSoutham United player to being manager of the club is extra special, as you become a supporter of the club.

You have a 75% win rate at the club. What does this success come down to?

To win over 75% of my games in charge is an incredible record. If we played the same 49 games again I doubt it would play out the same way. To lose only one league game in two years, unbeaten at home in two years is incredible. Good players make good managers but I’d like to think I work a lot harder than the average manager. From analysis of the opposition, to session plans at training, recruitment and then my knowledge of first team football and different levels for over twenty years. I think ultimately it comes down to a mix of talent and experience. Football management is probably the hardest job going. You have to earn your stripes through trial and error and win football matches.

An amazing stat of only one draw in your 49 matches here, with 163 goals scored. Its very obvious that your style of play is proven and successful.

I’ve always had a clear idea of how I would like my teams to set up and play if I went into coaching and management. In my first role as assistant at Kenilworth Town we went with a 4-3-3 and I have refined the system overtime. I think the best managers at any level you can see a clear philosophy and pattern of play. I’m a high press/counter press, rock-and-roll, front-foot manager. Fast attacking football with the emphasis on creating chances and scoring goals. My record shows my teams score on average 3-4 goals and only concede just over 1 per game. Although I’m a very attacking manager the bye-product of front-foot football has been a very good defensive record. My teams are always very fit and organised to give us the attacking platform. You either play to win or not to lose. I’m prepared to lose games in order to win games. Many things have changed since your first match; the club setup, staff, the grounds, leagues, squad, volunteers, etc. What have been the factors that have encouraged you to stay?

The main reason for my longevity at the club and why I’ve been at the club for nearly three years is because of the incredible players and staff I have worked with and our unbelievable hard core supporters. Everything I do is for my players, staff, supporters and family and friends of the club. The club is about the community, fullstop.

You must have some very proud moments as head coach of the club over the last 50 matches.

There have been so many proud moments. Over nearly three seasons we have smashed every club record since the club was formed. Goals scored, 24

wins on the bounce, two year unbeaten home record, two years unbeaten. The list is endless. The thing I’m most proud of is the football we have played and the environment we have created. We have been so entertaining week-in, week-out. The attitude and commitment has been outstanding. We have a real family atmosphere at games. This season to have my dad and son at every game has been my proudest moment as manager. Three generations enjoying their Saturday in nonleague football. Memories that will last a lifetime. You’ve had some great players come through the club, and sit with a strong group at the moment. What’s the impact you hope to have left on the players you’ve worked with, and how does that affect your coaching going forward?

There are many exciting things happening for Southam United right now, how do you think things will look after your next 50 matches?

My first 50 games have been so enjoyable. We are now back on the non-league pyramid so I would hope in my next 50 games I’m managing the club back at Level 6 and playing in the FA Vase and knocking on the door or achieving FA Cup football.

I’ve had some great players over the course of nearly three years. I love to build young, exciting teams and I’ve been lucky to work with some great young talent. On the flip side I’ve managed to bring in some great experienced non-league players to bring that experience and mentality you need in any dressing room. Players have to work incredibly hard when they play for me. I’m very demanding but ultimately I want them to get the most out of their ability and have long, successful careers that they can look back on. I just want to give back to the game that has given me everything.

I’m sure the first 50 games would have felt very different without the staff and support you’ve had every week at BHP. How important has that been to the team’s success?

My staff have been incredible. Without my staff

there would be no first team. The support I have had on and off the pitch is the driving factor behind everything you see with the first team. From our match day’s to social media. An incredible group of hardworking people that want the best for the club.

Shifting gears a bit, this match today is a big one. How important is this cup tie for the group and the season?

Today’s game is a big game but since I’ve been manager we have either been in a title race, pushing for promotion or getting to cup quarter-finals. So every game is big. I took the job on to be very competitive, not accept mediocrity. Out of eight cup competitions we have played in we have got to 6 quarter-finals. It’s now about getting to cup semi-finals and finals and ultimately winning trophies.

What areas do you think the team will need to focus on to get the win and progress? We are playing some great football. To win things and get promoted it comes down to mentality. We have the talent and work rate to match. Concentration, doing the basics and avoiding costly individual mistakes will allow us to go to the next level and get over the line.

It’s been a tough run lately but the team comes in with confidence from the win against Yarnton. Where is the focus going into the second half of the season?

Simple. A top 3 finish, promotion and a cup final has always been the aim for the season.