Allen: 'We're not just here to make up the numbers'

Part 8 - For Richie Allen, 2021/22 was mission accomplished – promotion to the Prem and a cup win to boot. After a debut season as a football manager, can he go one further at Wyre Villa?

How do you sum up last season?
“As a first season for me and Dixie and Boothy we did what we said we would – get promoted.

"The Presidents Cup final was tough – Haslingden every time we played them gave us a tough match. They were a really good outfit. We couldn’t have asked for a better year.”

Best side you faced and best player?
“Milnthorpe Corinthians. They had the lad up front Steve Yawson who punished you. They were strong throughout the side and when you have someone like him who can put chances away, it’s tough.”

Players in and out
“Dixie has gone to manage Lostock St Gerards. He had to take it – it’s near his home.

"We had 40 or 50 players who played for us last season – it was crazy. We were signing them on constantly. One week someone would be on holiday, another someone would be ill. It wasn’t what I was used to.

“We’ve a few players in – we played Holker Old Boys the other week who had a very strong squad and they only beat us 3-1 so I’m pleased with what I have.”

* Joe Booth has since joined AFC Blackpool *


Aims for the season

“When we spoke this time last year I told you what was going to happen. And it did. We got promoted.

"This year I couldn’t really tell you. I just know we will definitely be no pushovers – we’re not just here to make up the numbers.”

Where next?

Cunningham: 'Finishing fifth was great - now it's about progression' Part 9 - Hurst Green finished in their highest ever position last season in fifth. Manager Steve Cunningham, a 52-year-old milkman, is keen to deliver more success to the Ribble Valley villagers.
Milligan aids Best's Lytham Town campaign Part 7 - Chris Best would love a repeat of last August when the 44-year-old’s Lytham Town sat pretty at the top of the Premier Division. But babies were the unlikely cause of Lytham’s ninth-placed finish…

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