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Hythe Town's preparations for
tomorrow's FA Vase Second Qualifying Round against Wessex League side
Moneyfields have been rocked after assistant manager Justin Luchford
parted company with the club on Thursday, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Reachfields Stadium outfit were hoping for a Kent derby against
Tunbridge Wells, but Wessex League outfit Moneyfields thrashed Kevin
Metcalf's side 5-0 in the first qualifying round (replay) after the two
sides played out a goalless draw at Culverden Stadium.
In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk,
Luchford explained why he has come to the decision to leave the club after
three years service - and has nothing but admiration for manager Paul
Fisk.
The 28-year-old said: "I left the club on Thursday, and parted
company with not just the club but with one of my closest friends in Paul
Fisk.
"Paul brought me in about three years ago as reserve team manager and
after half a season he made me his number two.
"We have both worked tirelessly to achieve what we have done over the
past few years and have worked with some great players.
"As I have said previously, we seem to complement each other by what
one lacks the other excels in."
Working with Fisk has put Luchford in good stead to become a manager
himself.
"Paul has taught me many things in football, which I hope to put into
action one day," he revealed.
"His experience and knowledge has been just two areas that have
helped me develop my managerial skills as well as my coaching ones.
"I have enjoyed being at the club immensely, working with Paul and
the players. Regrets? Perhaps a few but only ones that I will learn
from in the future."
Speaking about why he has decided to leave the club, Luchford added:
"There are a few reasons for me leaving, but I would like to confirm
that under no circumstances was my decision influenced by a flaw in my
relationship with Paul.
"We are still very good friends and I wish Paul all the best for the
season and future - I have no doubt we will be in contact regularly.
"Most of my reasons I will keep to myself as I don't want to talk
negatively about the club in anyway.
"I think the club is going through a frustrating time at present, and
perhaps a transitional time with a few players coming and going out and
Paul will certainly get the right balance again soon - I am sure of
that."
So what does the future hold for the 28-year-old?
"I have no plans at present but I do feel I have learnt an awful lot
since being at Hythe Town," he said.
"I may only be 28, but contrary to certain members at the club (not
Paul or the players), I do have experience in the game, playing as well as
coaching and management.
"I hope one day to put my experience to the test and at some point I
hope to get back involved and maybe take a managerial position in the
future.
"I am young, therefore not many clubs may think that someone my age
will be able to do the job, but I believe I can.
"I have always believed in my own ability, and thanks to Paul, I have
no doubt in my mind that I would be a successful manager should the right
club and position become available
"Football is about opinions and everyone should be respected for
their thoughts and ideas.
"Hopefully over the last couple of years people have started to
respect me a little, which will enable me to succeed in the future.
"I am very enthusiastic in all that I do, including football and I
have what some players and managers lack sometimes and that is belief.
"Belief that I will succeed and belief in my ideas and thoughts
towards the game. With belief I can be and will be a success in the
future."
For the time being, Dover based Luchford will have a rest from the game,
but will still be supporting Fisk and the players after a couple or weeks
or so once the dust has settled.
"The players on the whole have been excellent towards me and I would
like to thank the skipper Ian Hayes for his support, also through the
tricky times.
"A thank you also goes to the chairman Paul Markland for his support
to me and the directors - although I think some of them still believe I am
just the helper at the club!
"Finally, once again a big thank you to Paul Fisk. His passion
for the game is second to none.
"I have enjoyed working with him immensely. He has gone through
some really bad times but has kept going and fighting to the end.
"He will be a success and perhaps people should start to realise what
he does at the club.
"Hythe used to be the whipping boys and now they are respected and
that is down to him.
"I have nothing short of admiration for him and hope one day, I can
replicate some of the things that he has done."
Hythe Town v Moneyfields
FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 1st October 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe
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