Kentish Football 
Horsham unveil Justin Luchford as their new boss
Thursday 02nd June 2011
HORSHAM have unveiled former Faversham Town boss Justin Luchford as their new manager, replacing the long-serving John Maggs.Greenwich-based, Luchford, 34, was introduced to the West Sussex club's committee last night, with chairman Kevin Borrett revealing that the former Faversham Town boss was 'head and shoulders' above several other excellent candidates with his experience, track record, commitment and development of youth football contributory factors in his appointment.
"I'm really pleased that Justin has agreed to join us," Borrett told the Horsham website www.hornetsreview.co.uk.
"John Maggs will be a big set of shoes to fill but I'm confident the fans will quickly embrace Justin and his team. I believe the club has a very exciting future on the pitch as Justin nurtures new local talent in the best playing traditions of Horsham Football Club."
Luchford cut a relaxed, yet confident, figure as he addressed the committee in the boardroom at Gorings Mead where he outlined his hopes and plans for the coming season.
He began by paying tribute to Maggs, whose recent departure brought about a change in the club's manager for the first time in 11 years.
"I'm under no illusions of the club's progress under John Maggs," he said. "John will be a very tough act to follow and, if I'm honest, in the back of my mind I was asking myself 'am I up to the challenge'. John is obviously a legend at this club, and rightly so, but hopefully the players and supporters will soon see that I am the right man to succeed him.
“I'm definitely up for the challenge. It’s a challenge that excites me. Football is not a hobby for me, I take it very seriously. I'm not one of those who applies for every job going, in fact I've only ever applied for 3 managerial roles; the Faversham job, another that I didn't make the interview process for, and this one at Horsham. I'm ambitious and want to succeed and, above all else, I want Horsham Football Club to succeed."
Luchford spent more than three years at Faversham Town, taking them from the bottom of the Kent League to eighth place in last season's Ryman League Division One South table, via a Kent League title, but resigned his post in March of this year.
"I love Faversham Town very dearly," he continued. "I had a fantastic three years there but some internal issues came to a head and I had to leave. But people will see that I am very committed and will give everything to the cause.
“I'm a very honest person, with man-management my strength, and I aim to keep everyone aware of what's going on. I read the forums, as I like to know how the fans feel about things, and although I won't ever respond via the forum, I'd be only too happy to address supporters' concerns in the bar after a game.
“The main goal for this club for next season is to remain in the Premier Division. It’s going to be a very tough season, I think nobody is under any illusions about that, but there is absolutely no need for anyone to be talking about relegation. I firmly believe that you can achieve anything in football if you put the effort in.
“It’s not always about who has the biggest budget. Team spirit, morale and commitment are all equally as important and I want everyone to know that we are all in this together; win, lose or draw. We must all be united for this huge, huge challenge."
The new manager will meet the players early next week to discuss the future and, with Ben Andrews and Ian Payne the only confirmed departures so far, the club remains optimistic that a number of senior players could elect to remain at the club.
"We have had encouraging conversations with several of the players over the past couple of weeks," said Borrett, "and they want to hear what Justin has to say before making any decisions on their futures".
“"I want to get everyone together as soon as possible, including the youth team, but I've also got a few players lined up that I'd like to bring in as well although the finances could obviously prove to be a hurdle," Luchford admitted.
Article courtesy of www.hornetsreview.co.uk
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