I would like a crack at football management, says Munday

MARK MUNDAY, described by manager Marc Seager as a “Kent football legend,” says he hasn’t ruled out a move into football management, writes Stephen McCartney.

The experienced midfielder, who has played for numerous clubs, including Ramsgate, Margate, Folkestone Invicta and Gravesend & Northfleet, is acknowledged in the game as a “players player” and his experience is helping the younger players at Whitstable Town.

Now in the twilight of his career, when asked if he was enjoying his time at the KRBS Belmont, the affable Munday, who always has a smile on his face, told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk,  “Football should be fun; it’s a great game and all these young players will realise that it does not last forever and there comes a time for all of us to stop playing the game we love.

Munday, who started sixteen consecutive games for Seager this season, said he was not expecting to play quite so much.

“I must admit by the time my legs were beginning to feel it,” he said. “I said to Marc when he asked me to come to the club that what I can bring is plenty of experience and some stability when perhaps he needed someone to go on for thirty minutes or so and steady the ship.

“But I was pleased that I have had so much time on the pitch as it helped me get to see the players around me.

“Another plus was that they can see the way I play and I hope that I have been able to help them in some small way, even if it’s by example.”

Young midfielder Tom Parker paid tribute to Munday for his professionalism and support.

“Mun’s is a top bloke,” Parker told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk. “He is always giving me words of encouragement. A little bit of do this don’t do that but it’s always positive and my improvement is in no small way down to Mark.

“All the lads in the dressing room think he’s a great guy to have at the club. When you think that I now play in his position and he wants me to improve, in effect to take his shirt, well, that says it all about the man.”

Munday added he wants to delve into football management any time soon.

“I have been thinking this last year or so, especially now I am doing a bit of coaching with my young son’s team, which I have really enjoyed,” he said.

“I think at some stage I would like to have a crack at management. During my career I’ve worked with some good managers, do I do have a good idea of what’s needed to succeed.

“I would say Marc is up there with the best of them, even though by his own admission he is still learning.

“I believe as long as you treat people right, behave in the correct way, then I think it’s possibly the next step for me, but just when, we will have to wait and see.”

Boss Seager, whose in-form side welcome high-flying Metropolitan Police tomorrow, doesn’t have one bad word to say about Munday.

“Mark Munday is a legend in Kent football,” he said. “Apart from the fact he’s a really nice bloke, he brings calmness to the dressing room, which is how he plays.

“His option is always the easy ball, never hit it long unless you have to and most importantly, keep the ball.

“These are the sorts of qualities that you look for in a player. In my short managerial career he is definitely one of my top signings. When you look to bring in a player you always want him to add something to the team.”

Article courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town v Metropolitan Police
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 21^st February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At KRBS Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP