ENFIELD FC | FRESH BEGINNING

Manager, Alex Salmon is looking forward to making the jump to the Southern League

Alex Salmon will be hoping that the move to a new league will give his Enfield FC side a fresh start.

After finishing bottom of the Isthmian League Division One North last term, they are now preparing for life in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central.

“I think we experienced every possible emotion during the last season,” Salmon admitted to us. “There have been a lot of changes behind the scenes at the club and I took the job four games into the season with only one player registered.

“It meant we had three days to get the group together before the next game, so as you can imagine that came with its challenges!

“Given where we started, keeping the club at Step 4 has to be seen as a success. It’s hard to lose more games than you win, but I think you learn more about yourself in times like this.

“We managed to end the season with a bunch of good guys, most of whom will be taken into the new season and the new challenge ahead of us.

“First of all, it’s going to be a tough league to get into, but at the end of the day, there are no easy games in Step 4, no matter what league you’re in.

“We focus on the positives; meeting new people, new terrains and new players. I’m a big believer in stretching and working outside of your comfort zone, and this move provides that for all of us.

“As a new manager in the Southern League, I relish the task at hand; the challenges will be the same for every manager. The games will come thick and fast and it will be about finding some consistency and durability within our squads.

“My philosophy will remain the same. I want my team to put the ball down and try to play as much as possible. We must be adaptable; there will be times when we have to play possession football and other occasions when it is necessary to be more direct, especially in the winter months.

“Being adaptable to our environment and availability will be key as we look at the season.

“The only thing we can control is what we do and we have to set our own standards and be the best in every game. This is a new league for us and new opponents, so it will take time to find out what we are up against and how we compare to the teams we are up against.

At 34, Salmon is one of the new managers to have cut his teeth at Burnham.

“I was playing for Burnham at Step 6 a few years ago when the manager suddenly left,” he recalled. “I was hurt at the time, but I agreed to get on the hot seat and haven’t looked back since.

“I love the buzz that comes with it and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else on a Saturday afternoon.

“Even answering that question can remind you why you’re in football and bring back some good memories. We hope we can create many more memories during the campaign ahead.”

We welcome Enfield FC to the Southern League family.

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