InterviewJoeGib1801102

So what are Joeys aspirations for the second half of the season? "Well I hope and expect the second half of the season to continue to improve for Cables with positive results and importantly good football and if I had to pick a game, I am really looking forward to the rematch against Halifax at their stadium".

A rather ungracious trend developing in non-league football is a tendency for teams who have the benefit of a new ground or who have come down from higher leagues to criticise the facilities at the smaller clubs, who have importantly passed any necessary grading inspections. Joey noted that, "Some clubs coming to Hope Street make excuses about the ground before they kick a ball. When I go away I never criticise a ground. At this level it's tough and an achievement for Clubs to continue. If you can play football, you can play on any ground and the surface is the same for both teams".

Whilst I can't discuss tactics with Raffa, and he probably wouldn't listen anyway, I like the fact that in non league football you can talk with the Manager and players. Joey Gibiliru is very approachable and has answered questions from the floor at a Meet the Manager event and at the AGM. So far, he says he has had, "good feedback from the Supporters. They tell me that they are enjoying the football we play and they feel that it has improved from last season". Nevertheless Joey firmly believes that the fans are rightly entitled to their opinion, good or bad.

Since Joe and Dave took over the helm at Cables, there has been a positive feel about the future of the team. It is clear that the duo are experienced and have definite ideas about play and tactics. Dave is a full time football coach and the directions he gives during the games are sensible and concise and he gets his point across forcefully from the technical area. Whilst Joe seems to be quite reserved, he commands a certain respect and you can see how he would handle his managerial role for a local refuse company, but I did wonder how the dynamic actually worked between the Manager and Assistant, who decides what to shout at matches and who decides the tactics. Joe was quite clear about that explaining, "Myself and Dave speak at length about, team selection, initial tactics and possible changes should things not play out. Effectively I give Dave direction as to what to shout and with his experience he knows the right time. Ultimately though, it's the Manager that makes the final decisions".

It's good to see that Joey Gibiliru has thrown himself completely into the task at Prescot Cables. He has the full support of his family who accompany him to every match and they have made the effort and have enjoyed socialising with both the Club Committee and Supporters at all functions. As a part time football Manager with a full time job the support of family is essential.