The script could not have been written any better for Luke Platt’s first home game since his appointment as permanent manager of Bemerton Heath Harlequins.
A resounding 7-0 home success over Bristol Manor Farm not only extended the Wiltshire outfit’s unbeaten League run to six games, but also thrust them headlong into the Pitching In Southern League Division One South play-off places.
“This was a fantastic way to make a statement,” Platt told us. “We’ve got a great group here; each and every one of them played their part in this tremendous victory.
“I’ve been at the club for five weeks now and I’m excited by what the future holds in store for us.
“We’re all on the same page in terms of where we want to be come the end of the season and the players are embracing every opportunity that comes their way, which is so refreshing to see.
“This League is tough for many different reasons. Every team we have played since I have been here have brought their own challenges in some regard. There’s a variety of styles and threats which, as a coach, makes it a great test.
“There are also some long trips too which bring their own challenges. We played three away fixtures in seven days and this led to 650 miles of travel, something that can take its toll on the players over such a short period of time.
“But the lads are giving me everything they’ve got and to see us in such free-flow at the weekend, really was a sight to behold.
“We won’t get too carried away, of course. Yes, it’s nice to win 7-0, particularly against one of the fancied teams, but we have to keep doing the right things and adding to the momentum we have.
“Short-term we’ll take each game as it comes and focus on that solely. As I say, every game is different so we have to prepare for what’s to come and how we set up against that will always be important.
“If we get that right, our long-term goal of reaching the play-offs can be achieved, but we have to focus on being consistent in our approach.
“Things can change quickly in football, so having a group of players who are all pulling in the same direction to achieve the same goal will be key.”
As well as taking on key managerial and coaching roles at the likes of Poole Town, Brockenhurst and Shaftesbury, Platt has also gained experience in the highest levels of the game with AFC Bournemouth, Southampton, Yeovil Town and Rangers, where he was involved in tactical analysis, player development and talent identification.
As such, he is a firm believer in being able to nurture young talent within a dynamic and well-structured team environment.
“I’m really big on playing a certain way in football,” he added. “I know we hear it a lot but I’m constantly telling the group how important it is to me to have people talk about our brand of football in a positive manner and the importance of performance over results.
“Some people won’t agree with that, but it’s a big part of my make-up as a coach and as a manager, which probably comes from working with the likes of Stephen Purches at AFC Bournemouth, who has massively influenced my career from an early stage in the game.
“I’ve been very lucky to be around people like him and Eddie Howe in small moments and I’d also say Pep Lijnders and Jurgen Klopp’s style during the 2019/20 season played a big part in how I want to be able to influence the game.
“I want my teams to play with intensity and intelligence, whilst maintaining high standards in everything we do, on and off the pitch.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me at a club whose ambitions match my own. The desire to progress and improve was simply enough for me to know that this is the right place to be.
“I have worked with a few lads here previously at other clubs and the positivity from them in the conversations I had only backed up and strengthened what I was thinking. The way they spoke about the club was a big factor and it’s great to see the rest of the lads already buying in to what we want to do here.
“It’s a journey that I am really looking forward to.”
Two tricky away assignments sit on the horizon as they head to second-place Exmouth Town on Wednesday before a trip to Melksham Town on Saturday.
IMAGE: Bemerton Heath Harlequins FC
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