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We caught up with Glynn Lloyd at a pre-season training session in preparation for the 2007/08 season, which see’s Harriers Trust FC make their debut in the Kidderminster Premier Division.
1) Having had time to reflect on winning Kidderminster Division 1 and promotion to the Premier Division, how would you sum up last season?
It was a great achievement. We are only the 8th Kidderminster based team to play in the Premier division in the last 20 years. It is predominantly made up of teams from the Stourbridge & Dudley areas. Over the course of the season we deserved to win the league as we lost the least amount of games and conceded the least amount of goals.
2)Did you seriously think you would win the 1st Division at the start of last season?
To be honest I thought that 5 or 6 teams were in with a shout and we were one of those contenders. I would have been happy with a top 3 position if you had asked me at the start of the season.
3) How much impact do you think the return of talisman Sean Wright, early in 2007, made to the eventual success of the team?
Sean had a massive impact. He is the sort of player where even if he is not playing to his usual high standards he has a big influence on the team. Not only is he a good player but also he is very popular with his teammates both on and off the field.
4) How did Harriers Trust fare in the cup competitions last season?
We entered 4 cup competitions. We were unfortunate to draw Kingswinford in the first round of two competitions and at the time they were top of the Premier division. We certainly did not let ourselves down against them but lost both games by the odd goal. We made it to the semi-final of the Worcestershire County cup and I was gutted to lose to Red Lion when we had seen off arguably better opposition in the earlier rounds. We also managed the quarter final stage of the Fire Shield.
5) Centre Half Dave Goode won players player of the year in his debut season. Some thought he would never make the step up to play at this standard but he proved all doubters wrong. What future to do you see for Goode?
If he continues his progress of last season and maintains a hard-working attitude then he will do well in the Premier division. He is a strong lad and there are some strong physical sides in the Prem so he should have a few battles on his hands. Dave is young and keen to learn but needs to make sure he does not stand still and think he has already made it.
6) What impact did the 2 appearances of KHFC manager Mark Yates have on the club?
His first appearance was a massive lift to the whole squad. You have to realise that many of the players have watched Mark play for Kidderminster Harriers and so in some respects he is a celebrity to them. His appearance seemed to bring out extra effort in the other players (maybe they were trying to impress with view to being offered a trial – Editor’s comment!). He was also needed on that particular day as we were short of a few key players. In his second game he was not so commanding but still showed leadership and even won a penalty for us. He is more than welcome to sign again for the coming season and maybe bring Russ Penn and Iyseden Christie along, although they’ll have to start on the bench!
7) How important was the role of assistant manager Dave Williams during the season?
Dave and I are chalk and cheese. He is the mouthpiece whereas I am more of a thinker. I think we complement each other well. He is a very good fitness coach and I think that has shown by us being the fittest team in our division in the past two seasons. We often score crucial goals towards the end of matches.
8) How do you intend to prepare the squad for the forthcoming season?
It will be a big step up. There are some very well established teams that probably don’t think much of newcomers. However, we will approach the games with the same positive attitude as always. We have always been well organised and difficult to beat and although we don’t score as many goals as some teams, we live by the philosophy of “if you don’t concede you won’t lose”.
9) Do you intend to add to the squad this season and which parts of the team do you feel need strengthening?
There are 3 or 4 that I’d like to bring in but these are mainly to replace lads that we have lost. I would like to repay the lads that got us here by giving them all a fair crack at the whip and a chance to prove themselves.
10) What is your prediction for the coming season in the Premier Division?
I’d be happy to consolidate mid table which might sound like a safe cliché but there are some very good clubs and many tight matches that could go either way. I’m looking to do well in the cups as we’re now in the “elite” which should give us an advantage in cup competitions.
11) What benefit do you think the introduction of Harriers Trust Reserves will bring to the club as a whole?
I can only see good things from it. We will now be pulling in a larger pool of local players and raising our profile. Although currently six divisions below us, there is no reason why some of the players can’t be pushing for the first team in the future. We also hope to be able to recuperate some of the injured first team players in the reserves.
12) Will the first and reserve teams be training together throughout the forthcoming season?
Yes, we need to get the message out from the start that we are one club. Both teams operate under one set of club rules and there are no separate agendas.
13) We assume first team games will continue to be played at Baxter College, but where will the reserve team play their matches?
Yes, the first team will continue at Baxter College – a.k.a Trust Bowl whilst the reserve team will play at White Wickets – to be known from this day forward as Trust Avenue.
14) Looking ahead long term, if Harriers Trust eventually win the Premier Division where will the next challenge come from?
We want to consolidate and not be a flash in the pan. We need to be successful for at least the next 10-15 years. My aim is to be the biggest amateur club in the Kidderminster area. When I started out as Trust manager I had 2 aims:
- To reach the Prem – now completed.
- To win the County Cup – to be completed!
Sir Glynn wanted to put on record his thanks to Dave Williams and all others that have helped to make the club a success.
