Alex Salmon will be hoping that moving across to a new League will present his Enfield FC side with a fresh start.
Having finished last term one place off the bottom of the Isthmian League Division One North, they now prepare for life in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central.
“I think that I experienced every emotion possible during the course of last season,” Salmon admitted to us. “There were a lot of changes behind-the-scenes at the club and I took the job four games into the season with only one registered player.
“It meant that we had three days to get the group together before the next game, so as you can imagine, that came with its challenges!
“Considering where we started, keeping the club at Step 4 has to be seen as a success. Losing more games than you are winning is tough, but I think you learn more about yourself through times like this.
“We managed to end the season with a good bunch of lads, most of whom will be taken into the new season and new challenge that stands before us.
“On the face of it, it’s going to be a tough League to come in to, but, at the end of the day, there are no easy games in Step 4, regardless of what League you are in.
“We are focussing on the positives; meeting new people, new grounds and players. I am a big believer in expanding and working outside of your comfort zone and this move provides this for all of us.
“As a new manager in the Southern League, I am relishing the task in hand; the challenges are going to be the same for each and every manager. The games will come thick and fast and it will be about finding some consistency and durability within our teams.
“My philosophy will remain the same. I want my team to get the ball down and try to play as much as possible. We have to be adaptable; there will be times when we have to play possession football and other occasions where being more direct is required, particularly during the winter months.
“Being adaptable to our environment and availability will be key as we look ahead to the season upon us.
“The only thing that we can control is what we do and we have to set our own standards and be the best we can be in each game. This is a new League for us and new opponents, so it will take time for us to get to know what we are up against and how we compare to the teams that we come up against.
At 34 years of age, Salmon is one of the new breed of managers having cut his teeth at Burnham.
“I was playing for Burnham at Step 6 a few years back when the manager suddenly left,” he recalled. “I was out injured at the time but agreed to step into the hot-seat and haven’t looked back since.
“I love the buzz that comes with it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else on a Saturday afternoon.
“Even answering this question can just remind you of why you’re in football and brings back some good memories. Hopefully we can create plenty more memories during the campaign ahead.”
We welcome Enfield FC into the Southern League family.
IMAGE: Enfield FC
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