I would like to go back into management, says double-winner Micky Collins

MICKY COLLINS says he wants to get back into football management as quickly as possible this year.

Hadlow-based Collins, 43, shocked the Kent football world after he and his entire management team quit Erith & Belvedere only 12 days after securing the Kent League double at the end of last season.

Grant Watts (a former striker whose former clubs include Crystal Palace and Bromley) and Julian Leigh left after Collins felt the club’s budget was insufficient to compete in the Ryman League this season.

The Deres go into the New Year sitting in the bottom three in the Ryman League Division One North table with 17 points from 22 games and have suffered nine defeats on the spin under current manager Chris Cosgrove, who parted company with joint-manager Martin Ford in October 2013.

Collins reflected on his spell at Erith & Belvedere.

“For me as a manager to win the Kent Premier League, having been runners-up the season before - and also clinch the Macron Kent League Cup, was very enjoyable, especially to clinch the title in the final game was a fantastic experience,” he said.

“Unfortunately, my chapter as manager of Erith & Belvedere came to a close in May with some great memories. They now are striving to get a foothold in the Ryman North and I wish them every success.”

Collins revealed that he wants to get back into management and with his day job based in West Wickham it will allow him to manage clubs in neighbouring counties like London, Surrey and Sussex as well as Kent.

Collins said: “Yes, I would like to go back into management, when I get the right offer from a club with ambition and a forward thinking plan.

“I will certainly look at it and if it’s right for me and my management team we will have another go.”

Speculation has been rife in recent days claiming that Erith & Belvedere are looking for a new manager – but the club insisted that they are keeping faith with Cosgrove.

With Erith & Belvedere struggling at the wrong end of the table, Collins was asked whether he would consider a return to the club where he achieved so much.

Collins said: “Would I ever manage Erith & Belvedere again? Never say never! In football things can change so quickly, you should never lock doors, just leave them ajar.”

Collins, a former striker, is a popular figure with the fans of his former clubs, having played for Millwall, Charlton Athletic, Dartford, Welling United, Thamesmead Town, Erith & Belvedere, Erith Town, Chipstead Tonbridge Angels and Croydon Athletic.

He is a close friend of Bromley owner Jerry Dolke and helped the Hayes Lane club win two Isthmian Veterans Cup titles under his reign as player-manager.

Collins, meanwhile, feels pride when he reflects on the achievements of Kent clubs during last year.

“I think 2013 has been a great year for Kent football as a whole,” said Collins.

“The highlights have been seeing Tunbridge Wells reach Wembley in The FA Vase Final; Welling United win the Conference South title and go on to make a great start to life in the Conference; also to see Dartford maintaining their status in the Conference for a second season.“

Collins was at Dartford during the club’s darkest hour.

He said: “Having been with the club when it ceased and then returning with them the following season their story is one that shows how important the fans are to a club.

“Another highlight off the field was seeing the book “Princes Among Men,” written by Dartford supporters on the history of the club, which is an amazing achievement and well worth a look – I’m not on commission by the way!”

Collins also noted the league success of Kent clubs.

He said: “Phoenix Sports won the Kent Invicta League title last season and are progressing well in the Southern Counties East Football League.

“VCD Athletic gained promotion from the Kent League and are now flying high at the top of the Ryman North.

“Maidstone United won the Ryman South play-off final and are also doing well in the Ryman Premier.

“Thamesmead Town won the Ryman North play-off and moved up into the Ryman Premier.

“Another highlight was seeing Bromley finish 2013 at the top of the Skrill South, some eight points clear and hopefully they see the job through and we’ll have three Kent clubs in the Conference next term.”

Bromley moved eleven points clear of second-placed Eastleigh after Mark Goldberg’s side came away from third-placed Ebbsfleet United with a 3-1 win at Stonebridge Road today, which was the only non-league game played in rain lashed Kent today.

Collins revealed that he has kept in touch with the game and is looking after people.

He said: “I started the Football Advisory Service last year which has gone from strength-to-strength, helping non-league players, managers and coaches. Further announcements about this project will emerge shortly.”

He is also a very proud father.

“On a personal level I have seen my twelve year old son Louis sign academy forms with Millwall, which was pleasing and he is really enjoying it.”

When asked his plans for the year ahead, Collins replied: “My plans for 2014 are to keep watching games, continue my work on The Football Advisory Service and hopefully get back into managing, helping another club to win honours.

“I hope 2014 is a successful year for Kent clubs and wish everyone a Happy New Year.”

Visit The Football Advisory Service website: www.thefas.net

Article published 22:00 – 01/01/2014