Pic: Marc Keinch
LEE BRADBURY hopes that shopping locally can help Havant & Waterlooville bounce back to the National League South. So much so, he's even got a player who lives 200 yards away!
Despite finishing in the play-offs the year before, the Hawks were relegated on the final day of last season on goal difference.
Unsurprisingly, the former Bournemouth boss described it as his lowest point in management. But he's determined to learn from it and get the South?Coast club back to Step 2.
Already, he's made some impressive signings, with 40-goal striker Jason Prior (pictured above) and young prospect Alfie Rutherford arriving from their Ryman Premier rivals Bognor Regis Town, while Rory Williams and Ryan Woodford have made the short trip from Gosport Borough.
Bradbury is happy to have a squad made up of footballers on the Hawks' doorstep.
Motivation
“We've got a good group of lads,” Bradbury told The NLP. “Ninety-five per cent of them live within 40 minutes of the ground.
“Harry Medway lives 200 yards from the ground and Bradley Tarbuck, another young lad I've brought in, lives 600 yards away, so we've got some real local lads!
“It was a conscious decision. I want players at the club who will run through a brick wall for the badge, and it means something to them to play for Havant & Waterlooville. Not in all cases, but in a few, I feel we've been let down by that.
“These lads are hungry to prove a point to people, whether that's because they've been let go by a pro club or they've been working their way up through Non-League and want to kick on. That's the type of player I've gone for.
“The boys I've brought in are up front at training. It shows they are winners. They want to be the best they can be and that's what it takes to win games and leagues. That's what we want to try to do.”
Bradbury says he's looking to bring in a central midfielder as his squad nears completion and preparation for the new season cranks up.
As Bournemouth manager, he would often be spotted at Non-League grounds watching players and this season will be no different as he looks to get up to speed with the Ryman Premier.
And the 41-year-old former Manchester City and Portsmouth striker is using the disappointment of relegation to drive him on.
“I'm hurt more than anyone about it,” said Bradbury, who has also lured former Salisbury City and Ebbsfleet midfielder Theo Lewis back to the club.
“I was miserable for a couple of weeks, but you have to use it as motivation. It's the first time I've ever been near the bottom, let alone relegated, as a manager.
“But I've found out a lot about myself and the players. It will develop me as a manager and a coach.
“You've got to draw a line in the sand. What I can affect is who we bring in, pre-season, and going into the league to do as best we can. It's certainly made me stronger. I'm not going to suffer any fools.
“Once pre-season starts up, myself and my assistant Shaun Gale will be on the road watching games. I've got a scout who gets out there for me, too, so we try to keep it as professional as we can.”
Love Bradders. He’s a lovely guy and you gotta love his drive for getting back up to where they need to be.
Every time I’ve met him he’s the most friendly person and I wish him all the best for the new season.
All I want is to see them goals rolling in every game – I can see a lot of talent and I can see they work hard, which is great to see. Pre season was amazing for them so let’s hope that they carry on that spirit! Now go get em lads!