Southam United vs Halse United Matchday Programme

WELCOME TO SOUTHAM

With a growing club and likely promotion to Step 6 for next season its no surprise that Southam United have added two new, top-notch assistants to help develop the squad.

Lee Walkinshaw

Known to many as “Boots”, newly appointed First Team Assistant Manager Lee Walkinshaw has found a quick rise through his coaching career.

From playing Sunday football in the NDFSL for over 20 years, as well as a few years in the Coventry Alliance on Saturday, Lee started coaching at the grassroots level where he enjoyed his time so much that he attained his Level 1 and Level 2 licenses in only 18 months. At this point his journey really began.

“From this came my next big chapter when I was approached by my good

friend, Lee Petch, to join him at Nuneaton Borough U18’s in the Midland Floodlit league. In three years we created two teams and I helped Petch set up an academy.”

Throughout this time Boots spent his time developing players every season to progress to U21’s football at Boro, with some even making first team appearances. Many of those have found success at Nuneaton or are in the nonleague system at step 5 or 6.

Having known Southam Head Coach Richard Kay since they were young, playing at local parks, Lee has kept up with him and his career and has often taken advice regard-

ing his growth as a coach and manager. Through these conversations Rich approached him to come to Southam, and although at first it wasn’t the

right timing, when asked a second time he jumped at the opportunity.

“Once the Boro announced that they wanted to go in a different direction [...] I was humbled that he wanted me to come to Southam to help take this club to the next levels...”

After seeing the First Team three years ago during a friendly Boots was immediately impressed at the professionalism surrounding the club, and while he has only been at Southam United for a few short weeks he says it feels like he’s been involved for much longer.

“[...] This is down to the players, staff, and committee as they have all made me fee very welcome.

“The potential in the squad is frightening, and to me they have the right, and most important, ingredients for success; the right attitude and a

hunger to succeed.”

Walkinshaw believes he can get the best out of this potential by bringing energy, fresh ideas and development to the squad as well as pushing his new players to their limits. After years of accomplishment and experience it is easy to see that the Southam First Team now have a coach who expects the highest quality, and will put in the work to achieve it.

“I want to promise to the Southam United fans that I will give it my all, as they will be paying their hard earned money to watch and support this club...Game on!!!”

When Lee isn’t on the touchline he is usually spending quality time with his wife, son, daughter, family and friends. Welcome to the team Lee!

Lee Petch

When it comes to looking for a quality assistant coach most teams would jump at the opportunity to work with someone like Lee Petch. It doesn’t take long to see that Southam’s newest addition to the coaching staff comes with bucket loads of experience, professionalism and success.

Petch, also known as “Petchy”, has always had a strong passion for the game with a focus on improving and progressing.

Growing up he started in a traditional manner, playing for local teams, but also representing the district and

even progressing to play in Europe on tours and representative squads. He finished out his playing career at the men’s level and received honours at the very top level.

It was that strong passion to improve and progress that led Petchy to then focus his efforts on coaching and developing players at the 16 to 19 age range. In partnering with Lee Walkinshaw the two established the Nuneaton Borough U18’s side and competed in the FA Youth Cup and Midland Floodlit League.

Alongside coaching he also holds the role of Director of Sport and is also the current Academy Manager at the

‘Etone Football Academy. ‘Etone has established itself as one of the current WBA hubs in Nuneaton, and are of the most successful academies in the area.

After knowing Rich Kay for a few years, Petchy was instantly interested in the offer to join Southam United’s coaching staff when presented.

“After leaving Nuneaton Borough we had been approached by various clubs, mostly offering youth development or reserve football due to our successful track record of developing players [...] Southam approached myself and Boots regarding

our availability and this was the one offer that really interested us.”

After running a weekly training session and watching last week’s development game Petchy has been able to easily see the strengths that come along with this young Southam side.

“I am very excited to be involved and I’m looking forward to working with such a talented group of players and seeing what we can achieve.”

He also sites the exciting plans for the club off the pitch as another reason he looks forward to getting involved.

Over the off-season and the move to Step 6 Lee plans to bring a different perspective to the club.

“The club has done extremely well over the last few years and it is now implementing a professional structure, both on and off the pitch that will allow the club to continue to develop.

“I plan to bring my hardwork, dedication and passion

to the club, implementing various training models and looking at the marginal gains across the playing side to continue the journey.”

With these tools Lee is looking ahead and looking forward to getting started with the team.

“I would just like to thank Rich and Mike for the opportunity of coming to the club. I have been made to feel so welcome by everyone and I can’t thank them enough. I am looking forward to working with all the players and staff and meeting the fans who make the club what it is. Welcome to the team Lee!

Head Coach Rich Kay Says:

“Its fantastic news not just for me but the club as well to get the two Lee’s on board as joint first team assistant managers. They have already made a big impact around the place, taking the last two training sessions. Boots (Walkinshaw) assisted myself in the dugout for the Launton game and brought a very professional approach. Lee Petch (Petchy) is vastly experienced already in management having managed the Nuneaton Boro U18’s floodlight team and also academy manager at Etone Academy. Both are excellent coaches that will bring a professionalism and fresh approach. With us stepping up a level and back to semipro football it is crucial that the coaching and management department evolves as well. I can’t wait to work with both as they are great lads also. Its a very high level management team and one that would not look out of place at the top end of nonleague football. It promises to be an exciting season with the club back at Step 6.