A Whirlwind Week Said Downes

 

Hereford FC manager Arron Downes has told Your Hereford that it had been a whirlwind week. 

Downes was only appointed last Monday and faces his second game in charge tomorrow.

"It’s been a busy and productive few days, but very enjoyable. I found out I had the job on Monday morning, and then it was a case of sorting everything out and getting things done as we had a game against a very good Darlington side the following day. 

"I knew that Tuesday evening was the first time I would meet most of the players. I’ve played against some of them in the past, but a lot of them I will be meeting for the first time on Tuesday at 6pm. So I needed to devise a game plan that would suit the personnel we had and also provide support for Willo (Andy Williams) up top."

Downes brought in two players, Harry Tustin and Freddy Wilcox, from Cheltenham before Tuesday's game.

"The lads were brilliant and were part of a superb team performance. They are the type of players that will run through a brick wall for you. They will both go on to have great careers in the game. Other clubs were interested in bringing them in, but I would like to think my Cheltenham connections got them here, and they will both play a big part for this football club." 

Downes has also brought in former Hereford United player Harry Pell as his assistant.

"It was an easy decision to bring Harry in. He is such a knowledgeable person with an unbelievable attitude. Even though we are best friends, he does things differently for me and our dynamic works really well. The backroom team that I have inherited has been first class too, and I would like to mention Adam Rooney as well, whose contribution has been superb.

"I’ve known “Roons” for a long time, and he’s probably not ready for 90 minutes just yet, but his impact from the substitutes’ bench was so influential on Tuesday, and he is able to encourage the team on the pitch as well for me.” 

Downes is hopeful another player will be joining soon.

"I’ve been speaking to somebody who we are close to agreeing to ahead of today or early next week, but we will have to wait and see what happens with that. There are so many games to play. As an example, around Easter it will be Friday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday, so we will need the bodies in."

Read more at: https://yourherefordshire.co.uk/all/sports-news/football-hereford-fc-manager-aaron-downes-speaks-about-a-whirlwind-week/