Newark and Sherwood United new manager Jonathan D'Laryea reveals his plans at supporters' evening
A supporters' evening was held at Newark and Sherwood United where fans joined the players and committee to find out more about the direction of the club.
Chairman Steff Wright addressed the recent manager change after Nathan Arnold departed to step four side, Cleethorpes Town with player-coach Jonathan D'Laryea stepping into the manager role.
Wright told the crowd that the move had been an amicable one and he had been aware of the possibility of Arnold leaving for some time.
The chairman highlighted the positives of the move, saying that they now had good opposition for pre-season friendlies and an excellent contact for the club in a higher league.
"The football club is in excellent shape," said the chairman.
Wright ended his talk by saying that managers moving on was a part of football and it was a positive testament to what the side was building as a new club.
One supporter asked if the Highwaymen would have a development side or youth section any time soon.
The Chairman replied that this would not be something they would consider while ground-sharing with Collingham but it was something they could possibly consider in the future.
United's assistant manager Dennis Rhule, who is staying on with D'Laryea in the same capacity, spoke passionately about the club.
Rhule pointed out that Arnold had left the club in a good place.
The side sits in fifth place in the United Counties League Premier Division North and are still in contention for several cup competitions.
Rhule also praised the departing manager as a consummate professional who would still be reachable if needed.
The new manager spoke about how he was not trying to reinvent the wheel and that his management style was similar to Arnold's.
D'Laryea added that he had played under a lot of different managers and had taken the positives from each of them, including Arnold.
"I feel confident because there is a lot of experience around me and I am happy that the backroom staff are staying," said D'Laryea.
D'Laryea said because of this, he believes the move into management is not too soon due to the support he has at the club.
He believes it means now is the best time for him to embark on his managerial career.
D'Laryea is currently working on increasing his coaching qualification's to get up to speed.
United's new manager assured the crowd that he would not be making huge wholesale changes to the squad.
"Things are working at the moment and we have a great squad already," he said.
When asked if he would be lacing the boots up to play this weekend, D'Laryea laughed.
"For the immediate future I will play on the field when needed but as time goes on I want to transition more into the manager role," he said.
In preparation for this, D'Laryea announced that Jermain Hollis had been signed from Long Eaton.
The experienced midfielder has previously played under-20s for Jamacia and has had a good career in non-league football.
The general message put forward by representatives of the club was a quiet sense of optimism and the importance of a smooth transition during the change of managers.
D'Laryea said he was upbeat about managing the team and was looking forward to the FA Vase game at home on Saturday against Blackstones (kick-off 3pm).
