There’s a Richard Luffman revolution going on at Taunton Town.
He’s been at the helm little more than a month but already a whole host of highly-rated new players have checked in and the sense of anticipation for what the season ahead holds in store is rising all of the time.
Fresh from his exploits at Cribbs, where he took the club on an historic journey that led into the Southern League and a position within the leading pack of Division One South before his departure, Luffman will be tapping into his experience of just over a decade as a manager as he sets about the task of getting the Peacocks back to looking their best following relegation from the Vanarama National League South at the end of last term.
“The experiences that I have had over the past 11 years as manager at all of my previous clubs will help hugely,” he told us on the eve of pre-season training getting underway. “Cribbs were fantastic for me and I have so much respect for the people at that football club.
“I’ve only tasted success in terms of silverware at all of my three previous clubs and, whilst this is a higher level, I want this to continue here at Taunton Town.
“Nobody can pressure me as much as I pressure myself and nobody will work harder than me to be successful.
“I’ll attack this challenge head-on and I have complete faith in my own abilities to be a success here. It will be hard work as we are a brand-new team in a highly-competitive League, but if we are given a bit of patience by the supporters, we’ll eventually give them a winning and successful team on the pitch.
“A lot has been made of the fact that I have brought across six players from Cribbs. The mix of them is three experienced heads and three young lads between the ages of 19 and 21 who have huge futures ahead of them in the game.
“I think it was paramount to create a base to the team as we don’t have many players left from last season and I trust these lads to help me create a culture. Let’s also not forget that individually all six of them are brilliant footballers and deserve to be at this level. Likewise, we've also brought in a number of players who really impressed in Division One South last season and have earned their chance.”
Having won the Pitching In Southern League Premier South title in 2021/22, the club will be hoping to give a good account of themselves following two seasons at Step 2.
“We know what we are getting from the Premier South,” added Luffman. “There will be 21 other really strong teams all eager to make their mark.
“Every game will be tight and that’s where we know that organisation and desire will be so important.
“As a manager I want to create a winning dressing room. I have managed teams who have played total football and I have been in charge of robust sides who play to their strengths to get the job done.
“It’s all about finding a formula from the players at your disposal. Coming in here, I had a blank canvas and I’ve worked hard to secure the services of creative players who will excite the supporters, whilst also bringing in those who can do the less glamourous side of the game efficiently.
“I am really excited to see what they can deliver for us. This is year one of a three-year plan, so the season ahead is about laying the foundations and giving the fans a team to smile about.
“We know that a club of this size should be in the League above, and our aim to return it there but we have to be realistic. Rome – just like Taunton Town – wasn’t built in a day. We’re a young team and we will only get better.
“One thing is certain; we’ll go out every Saturday with the same aims. No-one will be fitter, more organised or work harder than us.
“Let’s see where that takes us.”
IMAGE: Taunton Town FC
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