Devizes Town are in safe hands (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Devizes Town are in safe hands

10:04am Wednesday 27th June 2007 in Football By Gazette Sport Reporter

NEW Devizes Town assistant manager Steve Hale has warned the players he expects their full commitment when the season kicks off.

The former Calne Town and Carterton manager was appointed Paul Thompson's number two at Nursteed Road on Monday ahead of the start of pre-season training next week.

"They cannot just turn up and go through the motions, they have got to want to learn and want to be the best," he said.

"I want to work with those who want to take the opportunity to progress."

Hale, who finished last season playing in goal for First Division outfit Biddestone, who have since folded, was approached by Thompson in April and says the two keepers will work well together.

"We are like minded people and have known each other for a few years but he knows I am not going to be a yes' man, that is why he has brought me here," said the 34-year-old.

"I only have a few years management experience and he has told me I will have a big input but there still has to be a manager and an assistant manager."

With his role clear, the goalkeeper refused to set an aim for his new team after an indifferent campaign last season.

"I have learnt before not to set targets," said Hale who is a self-employed goalkeeping coach and holds a UEFA B licence.

"We do not have the budget of Truro and Bideford, even Melksham and Corsham Town have probably got more.

"We are in the mid table bracket and it is more important to have a settled team."

The Toolstation League Premier Division outfit had been without an assistant manager since Brian Newlands quit two months ago and manager Thompson is pleased to get his man.

"He has got good knowledge of non league, has good contacts and I couldn't find a better person for the job," he said.