New boss Neil Tooth confident of adding some bite to Hednesford Town

NEIL TOOTH believes his Sutton Coldfield sacking made him a better manager as he continues to draw up Hednesford Town’s promotion charge.

Tooth led Sutton to promotion from Step 4 in 2014-15 and the Royals finished 12th in their debut EVO-STIK Premier campaign.

However, he was dismissed last November and the ex-Retford United assistant spent the last six months of the season helping out other managers with scouting.

While most players and coaches are enjoying their last weeks of peace, Tooth was left counting down the days!

“I spoke to a few managers moaning that pre-season had come around again already but I’ve been chomping at the bit!” he told The NLP.

“I had quite a few offers after leaving Sutton and I was taken aback by the interest. I did some scouting work and watched quite a lot of games.

“I’d been involved solid for 12 years so it was good to also spend some weekend time with my family.

“Nobody likes getting sacked but the break definitely did me good and made me hungry again. I was at Sutton for a long time and you get into a bit of a rut – I overstayed my welcome there.

Stability

“I was able to reflect on what I did well and what I could improve on so I definitely feel like Hednesford are getting a better manager because of it.”

Tooth will become Hednesford’s seventh boss in the last two years with the Pitmen desperate for some stability.

Their new manager is confident of providing it but accepts that there will be high expectations from the Keys Park faithful.

“A few people’s heads were turned when I got the job but I think I deserved it,” Tooth said.

“I’ve done my apprenticeship in management, I’ve worked hard and you always want to test yourself at a big club. With that comes a lot of pressure and the fans will have to be kept happy but I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m ambitious but I’m comfortable in my home and work life – I just want to be a success at the club I’m at so I will bring the stability the club needs.”

Tooth’s new-look squad were back in for pre-season training on Saturday, earlier than the boss would have liked due to Friday’s friendly at Boldmere St Michaels – scheduled before his arrival last month.

The Pitmen have made impressive signings with the likes of Sutton keeper James Wren, former Northern Ireland international midfielder James Lawrie, ex-Shrewsbury and Forest Green striker Luke Rodgers as well as Stourbridge winger Matt Dodd.

Tooth is in positive mood and confident of bettering last season’s 15th-place finish in the EVO-STIK Premier in which the club had three different managers.

“It’s been a bit of a rebuild but I’m delighted with the ones I’ve managed to get over the line,” Tooth added. “Players become available as pre-season goes on so we’ll see about adding a couple more.

“If I went into the first game of the upcoming season with the squad of 21 I have now, I’d be more than fine with that.

“We’ve got a good ground here at Hednesford, it’s a well-run club from top to bottom and everything is geared up for National League North football.”