Tuesday evening saw The Mullets bounce back from the disappointing opening day defeat to Billingshurst, with an impressive 2-1 away win under the lights at rivals Selsey.
As well as enforced changes to the starting 11 through injury and absence – there were also major changes on the bench with Goalkeeping Coach Andy McCarthy, Under 23’s Manager Mike McCaffrey and Club Captain Steve Herbert leading the team in the absence of First Team Manager Craig Stuart and Assistant Manager Joss Parsons.
This week the club caught up with Steve to discuss how he found the experience from the sidelines, and his take on how the team is shaping up so far this campaign.
“Although it was very different, I loved every second of being in the dugout. I have been involved with the coaches previously when I have been injured, but with both Craig and Joss unavailable, it was enjoyable to step in with Mike and Macca.”
“Where I play left back, I get to see most of the pitch, but being on the sideline gave me more of a chance to have a management brain on. I could concentrate on certain players at different times and give advice to those not on the ball.”
“I think it was a breath of fresh air for the lads to have me off the pitch for once! – and it was great to see the lads still take on board my instructions and opinions. I learnt a lot, and it was even better seeing the team win.”
Herbert is fast becoming a stalwart of Sussex Football, having risen through the ranks at Worthing FC earlier on his career, and going on to have promotion and RUR cup success with Littlehampton, Steve has experienced what it takes to win silverware at this level.
“It’s about sticking together, digging deep when needed and having an element of luck throughout the season. Those offside decisions that go your way, those penalties given to you that you usually see waved off, those deflected shots that last year would have hit the post, it all adds up coming in those final games.”
Rewarded with the club arm band at the start of last season, and now having entered his third season with the club, Steve is excited with how the team is developing under Craig Stuart’s leadership as the team looks to improve on 7th and 8th place finishes over the last two seasons.
“At a minimum our goal this season is to reach play offs, which is something we know we are more than capable of achieving. In previous seasons we have been guilty of dropping points in games we should be winning, which is something we need to reduce this year.”
“Personally, for me I want Arundel to be in the top 4 come the end of this season. With this team and the management team we have in place, I think we can do it.”
“Naturally we’ve lost a couple of players – but we have gained some really exciting lads in the squad who have slotted in like they’ve been around for years.”
“Competition for places this season is as strong as it has ever been. Anyone on the bench has the capability to start for most teams in our league, but if you want to go far in competitions then squad depth is key, and I know everyone has bought into that, which is great to see.”
So is coaching something that is at the forefront of the skippers mind?
“I would love to coach or manage in the future for sure. I want to be involved in football as long as I possibly can be. When my body stops performing how I need it to, I will know when the right time comes to stop playing.”
“My dad has been a very successful manager over the years, and that means there’s big shoes to fill! – But I am happy playing for the foreseeable, and picking up bits of knowledge from the management team along the way.”
The Mullet’s are at home tomorrow where we entertain Alfold at Mill Road, 3PM KO, Adults £7, £5 Concessions, Under 14’s free with a paying adult.
