NEW Brackley Town boss Kevin Wilkin doesn’t see his appointment at the Vanarama National League North club as an opportunity to prove himself.
Wilkin was named as Jon Brady’s successor on Monday and he took charge of his first game last Saturday at Ryman South club Tooting & Mitcham United in the FA Cup second qualifying round which they won 3-1.
He led Nuneaton Town to three promotions including victory in the Conference North play-offs in 2011-12 before stabilising Boro in Non-League‘s top flight.
A full-time move to Wrexham followed and despite taking the club to the FA Trophy final at Wembley last season, he was sacked just 24 hours after their penalty shootout defeat to North Ferriby United.
Despite his Dragons disappointment, the former Northampton Town and Rushden & Diamonds player says his achievements should speak for themselves.
“The opening day of the season was strange looking from the outside in but I’m really excited to be back in the game,” he said.
Challenge
“A lot of people talked about what I did at Wrexham but there was a lot that needed to happen and it was a transitional period. The expectations far outweighed the resources the club had at the time.
“You look at what I achieved at Nuneaton and at Wrexham, how we moved the club forward, and I think it shows you what I can do given the time. Brackley have a really good set up and are a nice club – maybe too nice!
“The players have reacted well so far in training and we’re looking to build on that and get ourselves where we want to be which is at the sharp end of the table.”
His first job will be to get the Saints playing to their potential and picking up wins. Despite three draws under caretaker boss Frank Sinclair, they are 18th with only two league victories from 11 games.
“We’re not achieving what we should be at the moment and that’s the reason I’m now here,” Wilkin added.
“There are clear aims here at Brackley and they mirror my own. It’s going to be a challenge to move the club forward but that’s what we’ll endeavour to do.”
