New manager James relished his ‘caretaker’ role
With the great weather and entertaining World Cup proving a worthy distraction, it’s been a quiet summer for the Crabs as the managerial shake up seems to have gone somewhat under the radar. After a disjointed end to what was a mixed season (what’s new?), there were rumours circulating that Sam Pearson was considering stepping down with the obvious fingers being pointed at club captain James Coventry to take over.
Coventry will follow in Pearson’s footsteps as a skipper turned manager as the club reaps the benefit of its internal development program. Whether Coventry will continue as captain remains to be seen but I wouldn’t expect to see him give up his armband too easily when the season begins in the coming months. Although Sam Pearson decided his time as manager had expired, the versatile midfielder-cum-defender will not be going anywhere as the bearded, orange-blooded Yorkshire man will continue on without the burden of management.
So what experience does the new gaffer have? Well the best kind of experience. As club captain, Coventry served as assistant manager last season, taking over while Pearson proposed to his partner on holiday. Coventry and management also seemed to be a match made in heaven as he recorded a hat-trick of victories. After getting a taste for the job Coventry said ‘I do’ when Sam proposed the new role and he’s now vowing to bring success.
So where do The Crabs go from here? After a number of fourth spot finishes under John ‘The Special John’ Martin, Sam Pearson took the team to the next level albeit in fortuitous circumstances with a promotion based on teams dropping out the league above. Avoiding relegation was perhaps Sam’s realistic goal but in interviews he told The Daily Crab that there was no reason they couldn’t compete. After a shaky start, The Crabs picked up points at a crucial time and secured safety – finishing sixth out of ten teams. Coventry though is confident that his newly adopted side haven’t plateaued and there is still room for improvement.
Coventry has always been known as a keen promoter of young talent with his seemingly endless network of ‘academy’ graduates always ready to make the step up. Cov has been likened to Glenn Hoddle for his impressive youth set up but he ensures us his views on the disabled couldn’t be further from that of the former England manager. Squad members Riccardo and Dan Montejo and Steven Clarke are all former alumni of Coventry’s academy and this season he has snapped up Hassan (who appeared on the final game of last season) and Pietro who can both play on the wing. Hassan will bring much needed youth and energy to an ageing squad and Coventry will be hoping he can build on his positive display away to Park Life.
The manager’s never ending pool of young talent has not only introduced a youthful option to a team whose average age was dangerously over thirty but the team now has a more multicultural feel. Some locals felt for a team based in Peckham (one of the most vibrant multicultural communities in London) there was an obvious lack of diversity with the team mostly made up of white young professionals who’d moved to the capital for work. The Crabs now boast a number of young local lads with diverse backgrounds ranging from Central Europe to South America.
Whilst Sam Pearson still seems keen to get involved, expect to see John Martin’s appearances limited to a handful as he continues to enjoy fatherhood. There’s also no word from Adam Hutchings who followed a similar path to Martin. After Dewji’s shock retirement last season, there have been rumours that Chris Taylor is considering hanging up his boots – despite the fact he’s still the fastest on the team. Taylor’s enthusiasm does not seem to be waning though so I’d like to bet there’s life in the old dog yet.
Life in the old mandog
The Crabs’ first pre-season test will be away to Streatham Stanley, a side they’ve met previously in a friendly. Streatham are in a higher division and also won a cup last season so it’ll be anything but easy however Coventry’s main concern will be working on fitness and having a look at the new lads in the squad. Along with Hassan and Pietro, Coventry is also hoping to have another look at Dom Curtis’ friend also known as Dom who, like Hassan, helped out on the final day of the season. Notable names missing from Sunday’s teamsheet are Armstrong and Daughtry – two of the main attacking threats. Being close friends with the new manager, it’s unlikely these two won’t be reporting back for pre-season though but this Sunday the pressure will be on Montejo and Clarke to show that youth can trump experience.
In other news club secretary Stu Wood has handed the reigns over to James Palmer. Wood was promoted to secretary during the Pearson reign and he also helped out with management when his number one was away. Palmer’s calm and friendly demeanour makes him the perfect candidate not to mention his experience working in payroll which will mean he’s no stranger to dealing with finances. If Coventry can strengthen a slightly depleted squad and bring back some much needed team spirit this could be a very interesting season for a club at a crossroads.
Will management be nosebleed territory?
The Daily Crab 