A fans eye view - Kevin Wilson

(Published by kind permission of the author - Kevin Meikle)

Talking to Kevin Wilson at the press conference that announced that Paul Gascoigne would be taking over Kettering Town as manager, with Paul Davis as his assistant, he acknowledged that it was great news for the club as a whole, but was still somewhat unsure as to his intentions. Having announced that he has parted company with the club on Wednesday evening it is apparent that he didn't see the role of Director of Football as one that would satisfy the desires that he wished to attain through football.

Many people had said that he would not stay long after the take-over had been completed, however I, along with many other fans, was hoping that he would remain with the club as his knowledge of football at this level would hugely beneficial. But what made him come to this decision? You only had to see him in the mainstand on Saturday at our game against Droylsden to see how uncomfortable that he was. It was if he was kicking and heading every ball with his players but could actually doing nothing to influence how the game was progressing.

I for one realised then that it would only be a matter of time, and in that sense Kevin Wilson deserves huge credit for his integrity. He could have easily remained at the club picking up a decent wage working alongside our new manager until the end of the season and then taken a pick of the jobs available. He has stated that it became apparent on Saturday that he couldn't continue in the role that the club wished him to fulfil, because in his own works, "I want to be a hands on manager". I am sure that there would be very few people, in no matter what sphere of life, who would remain doing something that they knew that the wouldn't enjoy. To that end I am sure that there will be few fans whom would not wish him all the best for his future career in football, as long as his is not playing against the Poppies of course.

But we now must ask where does that leave the club? As I have stated, Kevin Wilson's knowledge of football at this level is second to none, it can be argued this is one area that is lacking in our current managers team, but does it matter? My initial thoughts were that it would be a problem but having given the subject much thought I don't believe that it will. The reason, look at the experiences of two very successful managers, Bill Shankly and Martin O'Neil.

Shankly famously stated that he took little notice of his opponents, though not advocating this it is just to make a point, the important this was to make sure that the team were prepared for the job that they had to do. If they complied with this there was little reason to worry about what the opposition was set out to do and you could argue he did pretty well out of this philosophy. Secondly Martin O'Neil, a European Cup winner and International and one who played under my all time favourite manager, Brian Clough.

He cut his managerial teeth at Grantham Town before moving onto Wycombe Wanders, who at the time were in the Conference. Having played football at the highest level for many years, initially he would have had little knowledge of football in the lower leagues. You only have to once again look at his record to see that this didn't act as a handicap to what he aimed to and did achieve. We must be careful not to get too wrapped up in the areas that we feel we have shortcomings, because from what I have seen so far, we make up for it in other areas that are just as important.

On behalf of all the supporters I would offer my thanks and best wishes to Kevin Wilson, and not forgetting Alan Biley, for all the work and effort they put into Kettering Town Football Club. I hope they both have a successful future, and that Kevin is involved in football in near future, thanks.