DARREN SUCCEEDS BIG MARK
By Trevor Mulligan
Wednesday 18 November 2009

Following a meeting with Chairman Gary Hillman, Vice-Chairman John Woolf and First Team Manager Ian Jenkins this afternoon, Academy Manager Darren Anslow was offered and has accepted the job of Reserves Team Manager.

Darren advised me after the meeting that he will still be in charge of the successful Academy team which, he says, has been slightly overlooked by almost everyone. I believe that 'slightly' is very much an under-statement, as the boys are currently top of the Ryman Youth League (East), having achieved 15 out of a possible 18 points (the three wayward points being lost in defeat in their first-ever game this season). They are also through to the second round of the Ryman Youth Cup.

The incoming Reserves Team manager is quick to praise his predecessor, Mark Hanscombe, whom Darren served alongside for the past year.

"Mark's done a fantastic job over the past five years," Darren said, adding, "and he won't be out of the game for long. I joined up with Mark and the Reserves about this time last season. Up until then, they were having a poor time of it, but then things picked up after the Chatham game and we ended up finishing second in the League."

Darren's had a good 'apprenticeship' under a 'grand master', but don't be surprised if he now does things his own way. The past few results haven't gone in the Reserves' favour (three successive defeats, including being knocked out of the League Cup), but Darren is confident he can turn the season around.

If he supplies the magic touch with the Reserves that he obviously has with the Academy side then the future indeed looks rosy for the Second eleven.