Having spoken to Steve, Andrew and Chris I grew ever more confident that I could get this position, I was taken on a tour of the modest 2000 capacity stadium and was introduced to possibly the smallest team of backroom staff in professional or semi-professional football, Chris Sheldon (Boo Hiss Boo), Robert Stanford (Coach), Terry Huws (Club Physio) and Tim Druid (Scout). Rob, Terry and Tim seemed keen to meet me and seemed glad at the prospect of some fresh young blood entering Seddon Street. Having completed the tour we returned to the office where I was presented with this document:
JOB DESCRIPTION Manager Manager Profile Committed to the development of his/her Team and that of the Club. To prepare and manage a Team of Players in accordance, with the direction of the Club. To conduct themselves within the football Code Of Conduct. To take responsibility for all tasks and targets required. The Manager has to accept the Job Description as a condition of the role. No Team will run "just to keep the side going" . Salary £500 per week Responsible to Coaching Director Responsibilities - To prepare and manage a team of players
- To conduct themselves within the Football code of practice
· To have selected the best available squad in the manager’s opinion- To have registered all players initially selected by the required date given by the Secretary.
- All players to be issued with C.O.C. at start of season and responsibilities detailed.
- Management
- To fulfil all fixtures .
- To communicate with the Secretary regularly regarding fixtures, rearrangements and any League issues.
- To be aware and understand protocol in particular when dealing with the Football League
- Ensure player wages are collected and recorded accurately and submitted to the Treasurer monthly.
- To attend Managers’ Meetings as required.
- Any problems to Coaching Director
- All kit to be logged when issued so missing kits can be identified
- It is the Manager's responsibility to return all kits, rain jackets equipment, footballs etc to the Club at the end of each Season.
- Any issues regarding replacement kit / equipment should be taken up with the Coaching Director.
- Coaching
- All managers to have at least “Level 3” certificate - within a 3 month period of appointment and to ensure all managers have attended Child Protection Unit
- To appoint and register at least one assistant
- Prepare weekly coaching sessions
- Be prepared to attend club manager coaching sessions regularly as requested
- Participate in adding coaching ideas to “coaching pool”
- Attend Junior Witches as required
- Be prepared to support other coaches with training sessions
- To ensure substance to sessions e.g weekly 5 a sides are not the way forward
- To accept that the Coaching Director will attend training sessions at his / her discretion.
· Match day · Ensure a squad of at least 11, one match ball and one reserve ball · Ensure pitch markings are well maintained .Ensure that markings where worn are re-marked(ie if your Team is playing after another on Seddon St) · Ensure all nets, flags etc are properly sited and all equipment returned after the last game on that day. · Ensure changing rooms, particularly away room are clean before teams enter. · Ensure the changing rooms are both cleaned after use. · Check refs room, first aid room and toilet are checked and cleaned if necessary before your match officials arrive. · All relevant paperwork completed accurately and distributed promptly to the correct person. · Club · Encourage player/parental support and help · To play an active part in any club request from assistance in activities such as facility and ground maintenance, fund raising and social events Other special requirements: N/A 8th July 2009. I was awoken this morning by my weekly delivery of the Non-League newspaper from the paperboy: 
How, what, if, but!?!?.........What the hell has happened? Shortly after I received a Voicemail from Steve Morris "Hi Mike, It's Steve, you may have seen the papers, and it's true we would like to offer you the position on the terms we discussed, sorry about the media but we heard Crewe Alex wanted you as a coach, give me a call!"
Needless to say I accepted the offer, I had to report to Seddon street at 8am on the 12th. Wow, world of football here I come.
