Bollington United, a Sunday League side that suffered a demoralising 31-1 defeat last season, is aiming to win the league this year after appointing former Manchester City star Micah Richards as assistant manager. The 38-year-old pundit has lifted spirits at the club after just a few training sessions.
Manager targets promotion push
Manager Darryll Jones, who was in goal during the 31-1 loss, is now eyeing a promotion push. He said: "It's going to be the best thing that's ever happened to this club."
The grassroots club, celebrating its 40th season this year, suffered heavy defeats in the Stockport District League but has since switched to the East Cheshire League. Richards joined after the club was crowned Specsavers' Best Worst Team.
Richards brings energy and confidence
Jones, in his first year as manager after six years as a player, said: "We want to win the league. There's no point in playing if you're not going out to win. With the team we've assembled and with what Micah has done, I'm confident."
He added: "Micah has been unreal. The energy he brings has been unbelievable. It's on another level. We couldn't have asked for anyone with more energy. On the first day he came down, he was upbeat. After 15 minutes, it was like talking to one of your mates. He's so down to earth, he's been great with us. He's got the lads up for it and given us a few cheeky bonuses. I think this is going to be the best thing that's ever happened to Bolly United."
Players respond to positive vibe
Jones, 35, described the 31-1 defeat: "It was horrendous. It was one of those games. We played against a team that were a lot better than us. It was embarrassing."
Skipper Kyle Leveridge said of Richards' involvement: "He's been massive, he brings a positive vibe, he makes us want to be around each other and come to training. We have to pick players now, we're getting that many to training."
Leveridge added: "He's given us some pointers, the first thing he said was go out and enjoy it. Just enjoy playing football and everything else comes from that. He's really stripped it back to basics and it's interesting to see that even if you get to a high level like he has played, it is still about the basics. He's been a massive boost for the lads."
Richards has offered striker Sam Goodwin £5,000 if he scores 40 goals this season. Richards said: "The spirit here is brilliant. Nobody's given up and everyone mucks in. My job is to get them off the bottom of the table, and if Goody can hit 40 goals, I'll happily pay up."
Fans can follow the club's progress in an eight-part YouTube series, searchable as Specsavers' Best Worst Team.
