Returning Redditch United manager, Matt Clarke, has likened football to a jigsaw puzzle, as one piece moves it creates space for another to fit in and that’s certainly been the case in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central over the past few days.
When Tim Flowers stepped down from the Reds’ helm towards the end of last week, they wasted little time in bringing back former manager Clarke, who took charge of Saturday’s dramatic encounter with Stamford where his side recovered from going a goal down early on, to win it deep into stoppage time.
Meanwhile Flowers was announced as the new manager at League rivals, Alvechurch, over the weekend to replace the departing James Fry, whilst just down the road at Stratford Town, Gavin Hurren, has stepped down from his position at the helm.
“My return to Redditch came completely out of the blue and it all happened very quickly,” admitted Clarke to his club media. “I always say that football is like a jigsaw puzzle, as one pieces moves it creates a space for something else to happen.
“After the first four minutes on Saturday when we fell behind to a poor goal, I wanted to be back at home on the sofa! We were poor in the first half and were fortunate to go in at the break only a goal down.
“It meant that we were still in the game and we changed our shape for the second half, which had the desired effect and we went on to dominate and deservedly get the win against a very good side, even if we did leave it a little late!
“I’ve watched a lot of games in this League so far this season, only one at Redditch, but it’s clear that we need to add a bit of experience to what is a young squad here.
“If we can do that then the future is extremely positive for this group. Tim [Flowers] has done a great job to get them into sixth place and if we can come in and build upon that, it will stand us in good stead.
“The journey is going to be a roller-coaster; we will enjoy the ride and see where it takes us.”
Clarke admits that it was an emotional afternoon at the Valley.
“I had a lump in my throat with the way that the fans welcomed me back here,” he continued. “It was a special reception; the supporters know how much this club means to me.
“I came off the pitch at the end having lost my voice but those celebrations following the last minute winner, which I believe the youngsters call ‘limbs’, are what it’s all about!”
Redditch United are in Birmingham Senior Cup action on Monday evening against Studley before returning to the battle for League points at Royston Town on Saturday.
IMAGE: Neil Jay
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