It’s fair to say that it’s been quite a whirlwind for few days for Jakub Pietrzak at Walton & Hersham.
Having been appointed as manager on a permanent basis at the end of last week, he was thrust straight into a big Isuzu FA Trophy third round clash with Sutton United of The National League on Saturday and his team came through it with flying colours, winning 4-1.
“I am delighted for the whole club,” he said. “It’s a massive achievement and I am buzzing for everyone involved.
“We try to approach every game by focussing mainly on ourselves and that’s what we did here.
“We’ve been very good defensively this season but we felt that over the previous couple of games we’ve dipped below the standards that we have set, so we spent some time in the build-up to Saturday’s game working on our defensive shape and the lads took it on board superbly.
“Coming up against such strong and well-organised opponents, we knew that we had to build from a solid base, and we were able to do that.”
Having been involved in the coaching set-up at the Pitching In Southern League Premier South high-flyersd for over a year, Pietrzak initially took charge of the team on a temporary basis in November, securing three wins and one draw to take the PST Sport Club of the Month prize, which we see him receiving here ahead of Saturday’s game.
“I really want to make the most of this opportunity that has been handed to me,” he continued. “I’m ready for the challenge ahead and I am excited to be able to continue the fantastic progress that has been made under Billy [Rowley, previous manager] and his staff.
“The club has real ambition, a strong identity and a brilliant group of players. To be trusted with leading the team is something I’m genuinely proud of. The support around the club has been top class and I want to keep making the fans happy because they have been brilliant with me.
“We have a young and talented squad capable of playing exciting, positive football, and my job is to help them express that every week.
“There’s a long way to go, but the belief in this group is strong. If we keep working hard and maintain the style that’s brought us success so far, there’s no reason we can’t finish the season in a position everyone at the club can be proud of.”
The draw for the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy will be made around 5pm on Monday.
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