There is no ‘I’ in team for Concord Rangers manager Danny Scopes

DANNY SCOPES has lavished praise on his Concord Rangers backroom staff ahead of Monday’s FA Trophy Final.

“It’s not all about me – we’ve got a great group,”

Scopes told The NLP. “My kitman, Darren Leech, grew up across the road and we’ve got boys who are now in the U18s together. We joined as coaches when our boys were Under 7s and went through all the way. We’ve been on park pitches, picked the dog muck up and put the goals up for years. For him to have this day and put the kit out at Wembley is great.

“Lee Minshull, my assistant, has been to Wembley with AFC Wimbledon and Newport and he’s been brilliant. He’s a good foil to bounce off and, like I was 13 years ago, he’s been in that transition from playing to coaching so I know what that’s like.

“My head coach, James Roach, joined when I went back into the job. It’s actually his last game because he is moving on for his business which takes up time, but he’s so disciplined and thorough in what he does.

“That thoroughness also shows with our analyst Scott Wagstaff, he has been a breath of fresh air. His work goes a long way to helping me analyse the opposition and the presentations to players.

“Our goalie coach, Scott Bowen, does a great job as well, then we’ve got Adam Drew who is our head of recruitment. He’s like an assistant, he’s good with the players, deals with any moans and groans, contacts our loans and has great connections.

“Abbie Garwood our physio has been working around the clock to get the boys ready for this game – a lot of credit to her for that. It’s been a real team effort.”