An Interview with ... Ant Smith

      Under Antony Smith's stewardship Concord Rangers have risen through the non-league ranks at a rate of knots.  When Antony took over the Chairmanship Concord were plying their trade in the Essex Senior League and as Anthony celebrates his 15th year in charge - Concord finished 7th in the Conference South only missing out on the promotion play-offs by a few points.

     It has been a meteoritic rise for the Canvey based club, and whilst the Chairman was enjoying a well earned holiday he gladly answered some questions about running the club, and how the Concord "spirit" is fostered.

      Celebrating 15 years as Chairman of the Football club this week, can you describe your emotions at this time?  Looking back at your first week, in your wildest dreams could you imagine the club would be where it is now?

I took over when the club was pretty much rock bottom in always, on and off the pitch so its been a real roller coaster ride.

We would never of dreamed of becoming a Conference club never !

Every player I've spoken to, has always commented on the Concord spirit and that it's driven by you. How does that make you feel?

Its fantastic that the lads feel that but it’s the collective of people that are involved that keep that spirit going and maybe my discovery recently of the “meaning of Concord” helps explain it also! (unison, harmony, unanimity, happy family) 

The family feel of the club, was that something you were keen to instigate when you took over the Chairmanship?

Yes my family (Albert, Chris and my Dad and his brother Clive were all instrumental in the building of the club and I played from aged 7 till 24 (retired injured).

So it was in my blood to carry it on and keep the family feel.

      What has been your proudest moment as Chairman of the football club?

      

      There are so many but I still have to say gaining promotion from the Essex Senior League as the club had tried a few times but were knocked back due to our proximity to the then gas terminal, but where there’s a will there’s a way(I don’t give up easily) !

Obviously the win at Lowestoft and the 1^st Essex Senior Cup win over Braintree are up there too.

Obviously the summer saw Danny Cowley leave the club after 8 years, how hard was it for you when he decided to leave for Braintree?

I knew it would come eventually but even when it did it was still a massive shock to all of us at the club, but 8 years is a long time and maybe it was the right time for a freshen up for both him and the club.

But we wish him, Nicky and all the family the best for the future.

However football moves on, how happy are you that Adam Flanagan has accepted the manager's role, and what are you hoping he can bring to Concord?

Adam was number 1 on my list from the moment Danny left, we have kept in contact since his time at the club and I like the way he goes about his football business and I know he understands the way we like to do things at the club

He will be the opposite too Danny as you will not see him running up and down the touchline shouting and screaming at players and officials (this will probably disappoint some home and away supporters lol) 

A lot of work is being done at Concord to reach out into the community (Community day against St Albans, Conference play off final tickets) How important is it for the progression of Concord that the club actively engages with the community

Yes this is the next most important initiative at the club and Phil Crowe and his team have done a great job to date and there is lots in the pipeline for it to progress

      In relation to the above, is this how Concord can improve attendances.  There's some fantastic football, and footballers on show at every home game.  How can the club get the message out there?

Again yes, getting the local community more involved in our different projects will definitely bring more interaction and once we get them here to see a game they tend to return (as you know)

      What do you like to do in your spare time (do you have any!)  How much work is actually put into running a football club, as well as a business.

Contrary to others beliefs I play golf a couple of times a month on average, of course a lot of hard work goes into the club and juggling it with running a business all over the UK can be testing at times, but I have some terrific people around me who will all run through walls for Concord.

How is the golf going, what is your handicap?  Who is your favourite professional golfer?  

My handicap is 14 but if I could get out more frequently I would probably be around 11, I love watching Rory McIlroy but Ian Poulter has the Concord type spirit!

Do you play with anyone else at the club, and if so, who do you keep on taking money off!

That’s a sore subject because we all play and I love taking the money!

Looking at the owners of professional football clubs, and even other businessmen....are they're any you admire.  Or do you see yourself as your own man, with his own ideals?

I wouldn’t say anyone in particular in pro football, I like to see myself as a little bit of Sugar & Branson as I can be a nasty sod but also the nicest fella to those who treat me the right way.

As the interview concluded, Concord have brought in three young players for next season who are keen to improve and better themselves. The Concord way.  The club will give you an opportunity to play and enjoy your football.  A proper family club, run the correct way.

An Interview with ... Joe Gardner

Joe Gardner has been at Concord since February 2014, and in that time his pace has been a key attribute to the side.
As the season winds down and the players jet off for their holidays, I grabbed some time with Joe to find out if he was a budding Usain Bolt when he was younger...

You're a very pacey player, did you represent your school at athletics when you were younger?

I have actually got quicker as I've got older.  When I was at school I wouldn't say I was really fast, maybe faster than average, but certainly not quick enough to run in the 100m or relay teams.  I was more of a long distance runner - 800m and cross country.

I hated athletics at school, even though I was pretty good at it.  How about you?

Agreed, I didn't particularly enjoy running, I was fairly good at it, so I got picked to run for the school.  Luckily representing the school meant that I could miss lessons I didn't like...that's the only bit I liked about it!

Haha..I take it you didn't have any athletic idols growing up then?

No, the only one's I had were footballers. Although I like other sports, I was never into them as much as football.  I represented my school in every sport it had available - Football, rugby, basketball, athletics as we've mentioned.

So who of these footballers did you model your game on when you were younger, and when you saw them play, did you think "wow I want to be like them"?

I couldn't say I would model my game on any specific player.  I play in so many different positions I wouldn't just focus on one player, it would be a mixture of different attacking players who have different skills and attributes.
Being a Spurs fan I loved watching David Ginola, and then just for his entertainment and playing style, Ronaldinho.  I liked players that made the crowd stand up, cheer and almost celebrate without scoring or even creating a goal.

Did you have any trials at any pro clubs?

I played a couple of times for an Ipswich Town representative side, but I wasn't YTS or anything like that.

I notice you work for the Financial Conduct Authority, was that a conscious decision to move into that sector, whilst playing football part time?

I've always wanted to work in finance/business, (aside from being a professional footballer).  I just started there in a temporary position as an 18year old after I'd finished college.  A permanent position became available, which I was successful in applying for.......and I've been there ever since!

Let's move onto the present day...What is the biggest strength of your game?

My biggest strengths would probably be being able to beat and take on opponents and creating a goal/chance.  People like players that create opportunities and "make things happen" it's what fans like to see.  Being this type of player, if you don't play so well, people appreciate that it's a difficult part of the game!

It's like Ginola and Ronaldinho, getting people out of their seats.  How about weaknesses then, what are you looking to improve on?

A weakness in my game, which I feel is getting better, is not being greedy enough in the attacking third.  I naturally try and create goals instead of concentrating on getting more goals for myself.  Lots of people have said "you need to more selfish...if you get a chance, just have a go yourself!"
On the flip side of all that though, my team-mates don't mind my unselfishness!

What does it mean to you to play for Concord?

I first played for Concord when I was 17, I spent most of my time playing and scoring for Dan Clare (goalkeeping coach) who was the reserve manager at the time. He always said I would end up playing for the 1st team, it just took me six years to gain some much needed experience at other clubs before returning.
The club's unique.  It has so many good people all pulling in the same direction to achieve results which no-one looking from outside, would give the club a chance of achieving.
People talk about their players "togetherness" being great, but the group of players here are the most like-able group of players you're ever likely to meet.

In what way?

The easiest way to describe the group we have is to liken it to a pub team full of mates.  To have 18 people get on without any issues in any environment is rare.  To have a squad of players at this level surrounded by high emotions and competitiveness and still everyone get on so well is almost impossible...but that's what we have!
I feel privileged to have been part of this club, group of people and players during (arguably) it's most successful season to date!

What did Danny Cowley add to your game, and what are you hoping the new manager Adam Flanagan can bring to your club?

Dan is a great manager, who I would say contributed to me as a player in various ways as opposed to one specific area of my game.  He gave me the opportunity to play at this level and the belief that I was good enough to play at this level and above.
Dan stressed that football is won on the 1%'s, and that would run through my head whenever I didn't fancy doing my own extra training, whether that be weights training or body conditioning after a hard game.  If I couldn't find the motivation I would have to think about that 1% extra...none of my opponents will be doing this 1%, but I will, and that will show on a Saturday afternoon!
I know Adam through playing against him, and also when he was manager of Brentwood, as my brother currently plays there.  With a change of manager it could mean new philosophies, training ideas and match preparation.  Adam has a lot of football experience, so I'm hoping he can add his own ideas to improve the current group of players and high tempo playing style.

I've heard your very superstitious...give me an example?

I have so many superstitions, I think around 25.

Pardon!

Haha...One that people don't see is me getting ready in an alternate order. Right sock, left sock, right shin pad, left shin pad, right boot, left boot, right laces, left laces, right tape, left tape etc.
The one that most people will see me do is - six knee to chest jumps followed by three bounces and then kick out my feet alternately right to left three times each.  I do this right before kick-off at the beginning of the game and at the start of the second half.
If I start on the bench and come on, then I'll do it on the side of the pitch, which linesmen find annoying when they're trying to check my shorts/boots.

How did all the superstitions start?  There must have been a reason!

I think it's based on success.  I've been doing them for so long, I can't remember the exact circumstances but all the superstitions weren't started all at the same time.  I did something like put my socks and boots on in a certain order, then I played really well, scored, so I made sure I did the same routine the next game, and so on.  If I did something else different during my preparation and done well during the game...the additional steps would be included in the routine going forward.

I sound mental!

Have you ever forgotten to do a superstition before a game, and what happened?

This will sound crazy, but the one time I didn't do one of my superstitions I got injured.  I ruptured my kidney during the game and spent two weeks in hospital with internal bleeding, and it was 3/4 months before I could play again.

The superstition I missed out on that day was scoring a goal past my own keeper during the warm up, but after that injury happened I dropped that superstition from the routine.

Let's get off these superstitions...You're in charge of the music in the dressing room.  Were you elected to the role, or did you just decide "I'm going to do it"?

It was a shared responsibility, but the audiences seemed to favour my music, and then it just stuck really.  That said, Dan Cowley hated the pre-match house music and in the past has walked round the dressing room asking each individual member of the team if they "liked this type of music!"

The music has evolved to more than just the changing room.  The speaker now comes on the coach on the long away journeys so we can all have a sing-a-long on the way home. (only if we win that is!)

Ok then, during the team sing-a-longs who is the worst singer, and also who fancies themselves as the next Olly Murs?

This is difficult because I don't like picking people out about their singing...but Oggers likes to belt out a tune.  He says the better he sings, the better he plays.  I won't say how bad he is, but he gets an A for effort.  Whitey doesn't so much sing... he's more of a pirate radio DJ impression between lyrics and songs - which probably shows we don't have a good singer amongst us!

Back to serious stuff, you turned down a move to Welling earlier this year. Do you think Concord can satisfy your footballing ambitions?

Earlier this season when the play-offs were still a possibility, I spoke to Miki Hood and said that I would have loved nothing more than to be promoted with Concord. This group of players/management/backroom staff and volunteers not only deserve it, but would  make the most of rubbing shoulders with the giants of non-league football. Imagine Concord Rangers v Bristol Rovers, or Concord Rangers v Torquay in league fixtures. I think that promotion is achievable goal.  Look we only missed out on the play-off's by such a short margin, change a couple of draws into wins, and a couple of losses into draws and we make the play-offs.  Then on our day we've proved in the past we can beat anyone.

Speaking about Welling, at the time it was not the right move.  I spoke to my Dad, I spoke to work - due to Welling training during the day I would have had to leave the office during core business hours and I spoke to Dan Cowley at the time.  I had to weigh up the pro's and con's but in the end it wasn't the right move for me.

My personal ambition includes playing at the highest level I can, although I feel I made the right decision at the time, whether I ever make it to play at the highest level of non-league in the future will ultimately decide whether the decision was the right one!

Right last question, and it's a biggie.
It's the 89th minute of the match it's 0-0 and a Concord player is clean through on goal 30yards out, one-on-one with the keeper.  What player would you guarantee would finish it, and what one would you think "oh god anyone but him!"

This is easy.

Stokesy (Tony Stokes) and Kingy (Steve King).

I'll let you work out which ones which.....

An Interview with ... David Coles (Football Pink)

Please see a link to my interview with goalkeeping coach which was featured on www.footballpink.net

http://footballpink.net/2015/05/14/an-interview-with-bristol-city-goalkeeping-coach-david-coles/

An Interview with ... James White

James White has a presence.  You see him in central midfield, and he imposes himself on the game.  His size is a contributory factor, but don't be lulled into thinking that's the only part of his game.  He has great technical ability, and to coin that old football phrase, he has great feet for a big man.  Along with a number of his team-mates, he has had a huge influence on Concord's rise over the last few seasons, and has always caught of eye of the so-called bigger clubs.  What made him stay at Concord when the big clubs came calling seemed a good place to start our chat...

You turned down Dover and Dartford last summer to stay at Concord Rangers, what is the team-spirit like at Concord which makes it such a hard place to leave?

I did, there were a number of factors involved for turning down both clubs, but the main point was that everyone involved at Concord puts 100% into the cause which creates a great vibe around the club.  I really do compare it to a Sunday league team spirit in the sense we are all mates, if you come here thinking your bigger than the club then you will get found out quickly.

A number of your team-mates started off at professional clubs, however you never did. Did you have trials at professional clubs?  Do you think your size may have put some clubs off?

Believe it or not I actually was signed by Southend at youth level to play on the left wing (obviously for my pace!) and then moved into centre mid, playing there for four years.  The game is always evolving and there are always so many changes at that level.  Michael Kightly was there at the same time, and he's now a Premier League player, but I was sadly let go.  I was also involved with Arsenal, but nothing really happened there.  Looking back I think that speed is key to progress through the ranks at a young age and that wasn't really my biggest asset.

Opposing fans look at the size of you  and (don't take this the wrong way) think look at that lump in midfield, little do they realise you have great technical ability and have a great range of passing

There will always be fans (people) that stereotype certain individuals in football. I am a lump and will never change from that build, however I hope that people can see over the past few seasons that there is more to my game from a technical stand point which is the part I love.  I got labelled this at Dartford on a number of occasions, which being honest helped my decision not to go back.

Talking about Concord, how far do you think the club can go in the non-league strucure....is the Conference League achievable?

I think Concord have shown that they're here to stay.  People say that Concord are over-achieving and have caught out other teams in the league, however I think if you show a level of consistency (league and cup) then you deserve to be where you are.  The Conference is definitely achievable for the club and will be another target for sure.

I notice you work in the City, sum up commuting if you can!

I cannot stand the commute! I think the rail companies are taking full advantage that there isn't really any other option to get up to the City/Canary Wharf.  I pay £377 a month to get to Canary Wharf, so have the over ground and under ground, and in the summer it can get quite intense!
Myself and Joe Gardner (who works in the building along from me) are normally late to away games in midweek due to the travelling.

What do you do to pass the time the time on the train...read, surf the net, sleep?

I'm quite boring really, I'll read the paper in the morning, and sleep on the way home.

Did you always want to work in the City, or did you want to something else when you were growing up?

My dream was always to be a pro-footballer like most kids, but it was installed to me at a very early age that you need to have a back-up.  My Dad has always been in the City as a trader which fascinated me, so suppose this was something that I naturally followed.

Growing up a number of your team-mates have told me they played computer games, were you a FIFA or Pro-Evo kid growing up?

I was a Pro-Evo man when I was younger, but over recent years I've switched to FIFA.  I have the games but don't really play them too much. I don't really have much time.  I would rather watch TV.

So you have the remote for the evening, what are you going to watch?

I'm a big fan of the documentary channels, I love stuff like Deadliest Catch, Storage Hunters, Wicked Tuna, Fast n'Loud and American Pickers.

None of the reality TV stuff like Towie?

Nah my girlfriend will watch that, but she'll record it and watch it when I'm at football.

Do you support a football team?

I'm a Spurs fan, always have been.  It's been fun growing up having an Arsenal fan as a best mate!

I feel your pain, I'm a Spurs fan as well.  Looking back over time, who do you think has been one of Spurs best players in the last 10 seasons?

I'd go just a bit further back then that, I was a huge fan of David Ginola as a kid.

If you could pick one current Spurs player to play at Concord, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Christian Eriksen - me and him would pop it!!

*This interview took place before Danny Cowley's departure to Braintree*

An Interview with ... Sam Collins

Sam Collins has been at Concord for two seasons now and in his first season Sam won Supporters Player of the year and shared the Players Player of the year award. How did he feel this season went, and what was his career before joining Concord like, I spoke with Sam to find out more.

We then moved onto a Concord goal of the season competition, and a Celebrity come dine with me.

You started your career at MK Dons as a youth player, who were your coaches there and what did they teach you about the game?

My coach of the youth team and Head of Development at the time was a guy called Mike Dove who helped the transition from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes, and I believe he is still head of youth now.  My two year scholarship and one year pro contract saw three different managers; Danny Wilson, Martin Allen and Paul Ince, who all offered different views on the game.
I learnt the most from Martin Allen, I was involved with the first team more when he was manager, and he offered me a professional contract at the time.  He also introduced me to non-league football by loaning me out to Maidenhead for a month when I was 17.  This certainly helped me adapt from academy football to men's football, which is vital to all young players and I think if you ask our young players who are in that situation, Taylor (Miles) and Josh (Vickers) will tell you same.

Concord has a squad of young players, as one of the older more experienced players do you see it as your role to advise them, and tell them about your experiences?

No I don't see it as my job to advise them, I'd like to think that I can encourage them to express themselves and be confident whilst still doing the role in the team that the manager has asked us to do.

Going back to yourself, did you always want to be a footballer when you were growing up?

As a kid I would play all varieties of sport helped by two older brothers, but yeah football stood out for me.  When I first started playing I never had much patience to watch football, but through my teenage years as I moved to left back, I started to watch a lot more, and enjoyed watching Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge play.

You mentioned you played all variety of sports, could you have got into any of them professionally?

I did love cricket at school and made a few appearances for the Districts, but after going to trials for Essex I realised I was too far off the standard to get anywhere near professional.  I used to fancy myself on a table tennis table although I could never beat Tom Stephen at East Thurrock but we are due a rematch!

Was you a batsmen or bowler at cricket?

I'd like to think myself as an all-rounder but I guess I was more of a bowler, I haven't played cricket for 10 years now since I left school.  I used to play for a team on Canvey as it was local, my old man was doing enough travelling taking me to and from football!

How about computer games...you grew up in a time when consoles took off!

My parents must of hated me, as I always had pals round playing on the Nintendo 64.  I had 4 controllers so we played a few racing games, like Mario Kart, I think one was called Micro Machines...oh and of course James Bond Goldeneye.

Do you still play computer games now?

I've got a playstation, but with work, football, fiance and other commitments I don't play much anymore.

Let's get back to football...I've seen you play in numerous positions on the pitch, what is your favourite?  What is the main strength of your game, and also what are you looking to improve on?

I don't have a favourite position, I'm happy playing football and doing a job for the team.  As for strengths, I think it changes from what position I play, or what role I'm asked to play.  However when I'm asked to play through the middle, my robust playing style and ability to get involved in the game is a strength.  Next season I'll be looking to improve on impacting the game more and getting to a higher level of consistency as I feel on a personal performance I had an average season at best.  I'll be turning 26 in June and would have played 300+ non league games, so I'd like to improve on my leadership skills.

What does the Concord "spirit" mean to you?

It's unique to say the least.  I've been part of a few different clubs, but what Ant and Danny have achieved and built in recent years is fascinating.  I believe that the spirit of Concord comes from the top with the owner, the chairman, then is passed down to the manager and onto the players.  I've only been here two years but it's obvious that the changing room has always had something special, as there are players that have been through it all with the club...Oggers, Kingy, Glozier, Stokesy, Nick even Miki Hood which is vital to help the team evolve, but also keep the identity of what Concord Rangers are about.

Looking back over the season, they're have been a number of highlights (Mansfield, Barnet, Essex Senior Cup) what has been your personal highlight?

Yeah you've mentioned the cup highlights, I would say retaining the Essex Cup even though I played only the last 10minutes and the score was already 4-0, I celebrated more than the season before! For me though going 12 games unbeaten in the Conference South is a highlight for me, in such a tough league, with a small squad and finding different ways to get results..brilliant.  It was also a record best in all three Conference leagues at the time.

What has been the best goal you've seen by one of your team-mates this season? Was you jealous you didn't score it!!!

Yeah I was well jealous, as last season it was me scoring some of the good ones! I can't pick one out this season, but I'll give you 5 of my favourites...Taylor Miles has two of them, and not even his one against Chelmsford!

1. Taylor v Farnborough at home - decent passing move down the right followed by a great cross and finish...a real team goal.

2. Taylor v Weston away - We showed no real attacking threat in that game and he waltzes pass 2/3 defenders, rolled it through another's legs then drilled in the bottom corner.

3. Joe (Gardner) v St Albans away - Great volley top bins and the importance of the goal to take the club to the first round of the FA Cup

4. Steve (Cawley) v Weston at home - He has a few to pick from, but his 25yard chip over the keeper is my choice

5. Stokesy v Maidenhead at home - Again has a few to pick from (Colchester, Havant) but his touch volley lob in the last minute against one of my old clubs was a lovely goal.

When chatting to some of the other lads, you've been labelled a party boy...is that fair?  Is it important to team spirit that all the lads go out?

Yeah that's a fair comment, more last season though, as this season my lifestyle has changed completely, I don't get out as much anymore.  I still do like a good night out though, and when the team one's come around they are important, as playing for Danny can be intense, so to get a chance to relax away from the football environment does help the team.

What is your most annoying habit off the pitch?  Is there something which winds your Mrs up?!?!

Hmmmm no annoying habits off the pitch, although she might have a different answer to me on that one!! I do keep things neat and tidy and let's just say she's not the same, so my slight o.c.d. could be an annoying habit.

So your house is all neat and tidy, you can invite 3 celebrities over for dinner.  Who would they be and why?

So many to choose from, but let's keep it simple.

Will Ferrell - for comedy value
Ricky Hatton - An English sporting great and he was kind enough to let me have a picture with him in Tenerife, so I'd return the favour.
Angelina Jolie - For obvious reasons, but also my Mrs likes her so I won't get told off for inviting her...lol!

**This interview took place before the departure of Danny Cowley to Braintree**

Exclusive Interview with Steve King

After 8 incredibly successful years at Concord Rangers, Danny Cowley has now moved onto Braintree Town.  It comes as no surprise that Danny has attracted the attention of a team higher up the football pyramid, as what he has achieved along with other staff involved at Concord Rangers is to a certain extent a footballing miracle, considering the supporter network and the size of the club.

One of the players who has risen through the league's with Danny and the team is Steve King, I spoke with him to find out his feelings about Danny's departure:

Did you think that the day Danny Cowley left the club would eventually come?

I think it was inevitable that it would come, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't a shock when it happened. Dan was part of the furniture at the club and a huge reason that it has been so successful over the past 8 years, so it's a shock and a sad time for everyone involved.

What are Danny's qualities as a manager, how has he achieved so much?

Dan is relentless.  He's so professional and pays attention to the smallest of details. He would always try and get that 1% advantage over anyone we came up against, so if for example we had a huge snowfall and no one could possibly train on a Thursday night, we would be running on the snow, looking to get everything we could not of the session to allow us to win the game on the Saturday.

That's dedication! How about you personally, how did he improve your game?

For me personally he has helped me develop over the years by giving me confidence in ability, but mostly he has helped me grow as a person into becoming a leader both on and off the pitch, and for that I owe him hugely.

Was Dan integral to the spirit of the club?

I wouldn't say any one person is integral to the spirit of the club.  No one person is bigger than this club and that includes Dan.  Don't get me wrong he is a massive character and he and Nicky will both be sorely missed, but it's his job to select the right characters to put in the changing room and those characters collectively combined with those of the many volunteers around us are what create a special atmosphere, and that by bringing in the right manager and consequently more players with the right character, will continue for years to come.

Obviously the fans are gutted by Dan's departure, do you have any words for them?

All I can say is that there are positives on everything, and there will be positives to take from this.  Danny Cowley is, in my opinion, a fantastic manager who will go on to manage at the very top level I'm sure, but he has put the club in a great position and leaves it on a crest of a wave, and I know the chairman and the committee will make the correct decision when it comes to a new manager and who knows where that can take us.  The club has come on leaps and bounds over the last 8 years and it will continue to do so with the development of the ground this summer and importantly the pitch getting a huge makeover so I'm certain the club won't regress or become stagnant, it will strive to continually improve and to do that we need the fantastic support we receive from those around us to continue.

Finally....You going to throw your CV into the hat?

Haha! I'm not putting my CV in for a manager's job.  At 30 it's not something I've considered  and certainly not something I would want to think about for a long time. The work involved in being a manager of a Non-League club is unreal, and over the years working closely with Dan I have seen the dedication and commitment you have to show to achieve in the role and with a young family I'm not ready to show said commitments.  I would love to be involved in some way shape or form in the selection process and when a manager is appointed I will definitely be applying to become their heading coach, as I feel I have a great deal to offer in this field!