Foyle Backs New Management Team To Drive York Ahead

Martin Foyle At The Racecourse In November 2012

Former Hereford United manager Martin Foyle has backed the new management team at Bootham Cresent to drive York ahead.

Recently York appointed Sam Collins as manager and Dave Penney continues as sporting director. Foyle said 'you couldn't ask for a better combination.'

When Foyle was manager at Port Vale, Collins was his captain. And Penney was once a former team-mate.

“Sam is an absolute diamond of a person and was a great captain for me," Foyle told The Press.

“He’s as honest as the day is long. When you’re a manager, you know who your leaders are and he was one of our main ones at Port Vale.

“Leaders don’t always have to be loud, Sometimes, it’s the quieter ones who are better organisers and he used to sit down with us in the changing room and take an interest in coaching. 

“With Dave Penney there as well, you couldn’t ask for a better combination. I go back a long way with Dave, having played with him at Oxford and he likes to get his hands dirty by getting involved and having an input, so that can be helpful for Sam.”  

55 year old Foyle, who hasn't managed a club since 2014, has some advice for Collins.

“Man-management is still your biggest tool in my opinion, because you need to work with the players,” he said.

“Some managers are always moaning and groaning, but if you get the players coming in with a smile and enjoying training, I think you can get 20 per cent more out of them. No disrespect to anybody at National League North level, but York City are a full-time club with great support and I’d love to see them get back up." 

Hereford FC play York City on Saturday.