I'm ready for management, says Halsey

Tuesday 10th November 2009

NEW Herne Bay manager Simon Halsey says it’s business as usual at Winch’s Field tonight - despite Barry Morgan’s controversial departure yesterday morning, writes Stephen McCartney.

Morgan left the Bulmers Cider Kent League club despite winning the manager of the month award last month and sitting in fourth place in the table.

A statement issued by the club yesterday morning explained that following weekend showdown talks with Morgan and chairman Mr John Bathurst, “a fundamental disagreement over tactics and team selection,” forced Morgan to step down as manager, and his assistant, Halsey was instantly installed as the new boss.

“Of course I know the exact situation but to be honest that’s between the chairman Mr Bathurst and Barry himself, so I’m not really going to speculate on that,” Halsey told www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“I’ll leave it out to sort it out themselves. It ended amicably, that’s the end of the story as far as I’m concerned.

“I’m very surprised at it, I didn’t really have any inclination it was going to happen to be honest until yesterday morning when I spoke to Morgo.

“I’m quite surprised, but it won’t cause us any disturbances either. We’ll get round it, we’re training tonight and Thursday and obviously we’ll have to knuckle down and get on with it.”

Halsey says he is now ready for management, having had 12 years coaching experience alongside the likes of Martin Ford (at VCD Athletic), Marc Seager (Whitstable Town) before teaming up with Morgan at Herne Bay this summer.

“I think I’m ready for it, I’ve been around Seages for a few years, obviously Fordy and now Morgo so I’ll take a bit out from them so hopefully it will make me a better manager myself,” said Halsey.

“It’s business as usual at training tonight and Thursday and obviously for Saturday. I’ve just got a little bit more responsibilities for myself really, which is a good time for me. I’ve been coaching for 12 years so perhaps it’s time for me to have a go at management.”

Herne Bay’s next game is their FA Carlsberg Vase second round tie against Hellenic League side Flackwell Heath, who are presently in 12th place in the table, with a 50% away record in the league.

Halsey will watch Flackwell Heath tonight, a home game against Hook Norton, to get an insight on Saturday’s opponents.

“I’m going to watch them tonight to see what they’re all about, just to have a look at them and see what I can get out of it,” he said.

“Anything I can get out of the game to strengthen ourselves from winning it on Saturday will be a bonus.

“With Marc Seager we done everything professionally. Now I’m setting out into management I’ll be doing exactly the same.

“I will be watching our opponents and I won’t be leaving anything unearthed.”

With £1,200 in prize money up for grabs, Halsey’s professional approach will certainly help getting past the Buckinghamshire side on Saturday.

When asked what type of manager he will be, Halsey replied, “I don’t know really, that’s a bit of a hard question! Once I go there to training and the game on Saturday, I will have my manager’s head on.

“I’ve got no problems in picking a side or dropping players if their not performing and I’ll do that in a professional manner by talking to them with the reasons why their not in the squad or the starting eleven.

“I think I’m ready for it, I’m ready to make harsh decisions.”

And when asked about his backroom staff, Halsey added, “I’ve got Martin Collins still around the club so he’ll be there on match days with me. Anthony Deer (reserve team manager) will be around on Saturday’s to aid me as in their reserve league they have got a few Saturday’s off.

“At the moment I’ll go into it on my own and get my feet settled in. If I feel it’s a little bit too much I will look for a number two.

“I’ve got enough good people around the club to help me.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net

Herne Bay v Flackwell Heath

FA Carlsberg Vase Second Round

Saturday 14th November 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG