WFCSA Newsletter Extra Dec 2020 Interview with Brian Stock

Terras Times The newsletter of Weymouth FC Supporters Association.

2018/2019 Southern League Champions 2019/2020 National League South play off winners.

We have a seasonal special for WFCSA members this Christmas.

An extra piece to read over the holidays when it’s too cold (or more likely we are not allowed) to go outside.

Weymouth FC Manager Brian Stock has agreed to an interview with us.

Thanks to the challenge of Covid-19 and the fact I am in Tier 3 South Lincolnshire, we have had to do this over instant messenger.

I would like to that the boss for his time and efforts in making this happen during a busy and challenging run of fixtures.

2020 hasn’t played out the way any of us have wanted it to off the pitch but with a second promotion for our team there is still plenty to look back on with fondness. But we also have a challenge to look forward to and that’s what we will focus on.

It only remains for me to say on behalf of the WFCSA committee that we wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

If you have anything you would like to see in the newsletter, please get in touch and send us an article or some photos. We have doubled the size of each issue as the membership has increased recently, so please do contribute where you can.

We would love to hear from you.

James

https://www.wfcsa.weymouthfootballclub.co.uk/

Terras Times The newsletter of Weymouth FC Supporters Association.

How has 2020 been overall for Brian Stock?

Who would have guessed the year the whole world would have in 2020. For me though it has brought excitement to start my managerial career!

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and appreciate Weymouth FC for giving me this opportunity. It’s has been a tough year for everyone and I’m looking forward to 2021 and the challenge ahead.

What was the key driver in your applying for the WFC job?

When I heard the news that Mark decided to leave to manage Southend it was something that interested my straight away. I have had an excellent introduction to coaching at AFC Bournemouth and I can’t thank them enough for their time to help improve me as a coach.

I have spoken to Eddie Howe, Sean O’Driscoll, Jason Tindall, Sean Dyche and Billy Davies, all excellent coaches and managers in their own right. Each one has a unique identity and philosophy in football. I can think of a lot of positives and a couple of negatives within their views which has helped me put together my own plans of how I want my team to play.

Who has been the best team you have seen in the National League so far in 2020?

You can clearly see the difference to the teams that are part time and full time.

We recently had to name 3 outfield subs due to injuries and suspensions which put a huge strain on the squad.

I was impressed with the way King’s Lynn played football, how organised and disciplined Sutton and Woking were, and the attacking threat Wealdstone and Stockport posed. I strongly believe this league is wide open for a number of teams. We are not far away from turning those marginal defeats into draws and wins. We still have 32 games and as long as we concentrate and limit our mistakes then there is no one to fear in this league.

How has management differed from what you expected of it?

The biggest frustration for me is the amount of times we could have got more from a game. We are now scoring goals regularly which started off as a problem but we can’t expect to score 3 goals every game to win a football match. I have enjoyed working with the players, getting to know them individually, understand how much they have worked prior to a match and what works best for the team.

Being hit with the Covid outbreak came at a really bad time for us, 19 out of the 24 playing staff and nearly every member of staff tested positive which affected our level of fitness dramatically. But the mentality and the togetherness that this young group of players have shown has been excellent!

What's your Christmas message for Terras fans?

Have a fantastic Christmas with your loved ones! We will be doing all we can to stay in this league, please continue to support your team throughout the highs and the lows, we will need you! Up the terras.

Thanks Brian, the same to you and your family, and please pass on our best wishes to the players and coaches.

https://www.wfcsa.weymouthfootballclub.co.uk/