No Swansong just yet for new Sandbach United boss
Fri 15th April 2022 | Sandbach United | By Alex Thrower
Declan Swan has made no secret of his ambition and says he was ‘relieved’ to be appointed Sandbach United’s manager after being in temporary charge since January.
The former Manchester City Academy scout joined the First Division South club as a coach in March 2021 and took on the role of Caretaker Manager following Andy Hockenhull’s departure after nine years at the helm.
Now Swan, who is also Head Coach of the Cheshire FA Under 18 side, knows his task is to help the Cheshire club improve on their 8th placed finish achieved this campaign.
“I’m relieved, to tell you the truth,” he began.
“The interview process was strange because obviously you know the people asking you the question, but I took it very seriously and you can tell how ambitious everyone involved with the club is.
“They’ve backed me, which is a great vote of confidence and there’s a clear ambition to go up the leagues, which is something I want to do as well. Managing at as a high a level as possible is my personal goal, so it matches well.”
Chairman Pete Colclough was quick to recognise Swan’s talents which made him the standout candidate. He said, “The club has been very impressed by Dec since he took temporary charge of the team. He has had a lot to contend with in terms of player movements over the winter months and he has handled it all with professionalism, producing good performances on the pitch.
“His attention to detail and the way he has galvanised the squad so quickly is a credit to him. We went through an extensive interview process and had many quality candidates, but Dec stood out and we believe he is the right fit for the club and to take us forward.”
The Ramblers had a bright start to the 2021/22 season, winning six of their first eight league games before going on a run across October and November which saw them pick up three points just once in seven. Ultimately finishing 22 points off Wythenshawe Amateurs in the final play-off spot, Hockenhull’s resignation in January caused understandable disruption to a stalled season.
Following his appointment Swan says there’s not going to be any major changes to what was an eventually settled squad which went nine league games unbeaten to end the season.
“It was a shock when the manager left just after Christmas, but I think we have a good quality squad now so there is not going to any huge upheaval of personnel in the summer,” he continued.
“I’m very passionate about giving young players a chance and there’s a great youth setup here, we have a very good under 18s side. Our centre-back Will Webb is 17 and he’s been able to play quite a bit towards the end of the season so it would be great to bring in a few more. That jump from U18s to men’s is the biggest in football so if we can be a stable bridge to help players that would be great.
“In all honesty it’s a bit upsetting having the play-off finals this weekend and we’re not involved. Next April, that’s our goal, to still be competing!”
No Swansong just yet for new Sandbach United boss
Fri 15th April 2022 | Sandbach United
By Alex Thrower
Declan Swan has made no secret of his ambition and says he was ‘relieved’ to be appointed Sandbach United’s manager after being in temporary charge since January.
The former Manchester City Academy scout joined the First Division South club as a coach in March 2021 and took on the role of Caretaker Manager following Andy Hockenhull’s departure after nine years at the helm.
Now Swan, who is also Head Coach of the Cheshire FA Under 18 side, knows his task is to help the Cheshire club improve on their 8th placed finish achieved this campaign.
“I’m relieved, to tell you the truth,” he began.
“The interview process was strange because obviously you know the people asking you the question, but I took it very seriously and you can tell how ambitious everyone involved with the club is.
“They’ve backed me, which is a great vote of confidence and there’s a clear ambition to go up the leagues, which is something I want to do as well. Managing at as a high a level as possible is my personal goal, so it matches well.”
Chairman Pete Colclough was quick to recognise Swan’s talents which made him the standout candidate. He said, “The club has been very impressed by Dec since he took temporary charge of the team. He has had a lot to contend with in terms of player movements over the winter months and he has handled it all with professionalism, producing good performances on the pitch.
“His attention to detail and the way he has galvanised the squad so quickly is a credit to him. We went through an extensive interview process and had many quality candidates, but Dec stood out and we believe he is the right fit for the club and to take us forward.”
The Ramblers had a bright start to the 2021/22 season, winning six of their first eight league games before going on a run across October and November which saw them pick up three points just once in seven. Ultimately finishing 22 points off Wythenshawe Amateurs in the final play-off spot, Hockenhull’s resignation in January caused understandable disruption to a stalled season.
Following his appointment Swan says there’s not going to be any major changes to what was an eventually settled squad which went nine league games unbeaten to end the season.
“It was a shock when the manager left just after Christmas, but I think we have a good quality squad now so there is not going to any huge upheaval of personnel in the summer,” he continued.
“I’m very passionate about giving young players a chance and there’s a great youth setup here, we have a very good under 18s side. Our centre-back Will Webb is 17 and he’s been able to play quite a bit towards the end of the season so it would be great to bring in a few more. That jump from U18s to men’s is the biggest in football so if we can be a stable bridge to help players that would be great.
“In all honesty it’s a bit upsetting having the play-off finals this weekend and we’re not involved. Next April, that’s our goal, to still be competing!”
