I was pleased to take my first full session as ‘coach’ this evening due to assistant manager Paul Holden being unable to attend. I was only informed at lunchtime so I spent the afternoon working out a session plan based on what numbers the Gaffer had given me and what specifics he wanted to concentrate on, which was mainly quick play around the opposing eighteen yard box.

As I live in Liverpool, training days for me start at about 4 o’clock when I have to meet Nick Rogan to travel down the M62, M6, A14 to get to Corby. It takes us around 2 and a half hours on a good day (few and far between on the M6) and today it was Nick’s turn to drive, so as per normal I had to find a testing quiz for him on the internet on my phone. Nick is a very clever lad, so Big Bobs Pub Quiz is far too easy. Today I found some Science and Nature questions and he was on fire – 17 out of 20. Bear in mind, each question he gets, if he doesn’t know the answer he’ll somehow fathem a guess which a lot of the time is correct.

The lads enjoyed the session I think and I had some positive comments from a few of them afterwards which is also nice. I joined in the 7 a side at the end and we won 10-9. Its always nice to be able to pick your own team (and rules) when you’re the coach!

Tonight’s journey home had Nick moaning about Stan Collymore on TalkSPORT. Not really because he doesn’t like or agree with his comments but because he cant stand his accent or defination of some words, in fact his impression is quite amusing. We arrived home around 12:30, ready to jump straight into bed and spend the rest of the week preparing for the weekends fixture.

It’s been a positive start to the season in many ways. The squad of players that the manager brought together over the summer is extremely competitive and although they are many new faces, the lads have gelled really well and really quickly and I think that has been reflected in our results.

Because of those reasons, there were always going to be a few teething problems but I think we’ve coped well. A lot of players who have played a lot of games for us already – James Ozmen and Jordan Smith to name but two – are new to this level but have looked every bit capable of competing for a regular slot. I believe in Nick Rogan, Matt Rhead and Smithy we have three of the most dangerous and potent strikers in the Blue Square North – all of whom bring different qualities and traits and all of whom complement each other, whichever way the gaffer decides to go in games.

For me, it’s been a bit stop start recently as I have been sidelined with a groin strain. That has been even more disappointing for me as I have a brand new pair of Umbro’s to break in and I love a new pair of football boots! It has allowed me however to step into the ‘coach’ part of my player/coach position, and I was sent to watch Altrincham verus Guiseley last week by the Gaffer. It was good to be a neutral at a game and sit back and enjoy without any worry about the score.

Can’t wait to get going again though and help the lads push back on up the table.

Burge