Darren Jarvis admits that he is “chuffed to bits” after being named as the new manager of Holbeach United.
The former Peterborough Northern Star and Blackstones chief was announced as the new Tigers boss on Saturday, with John Chand resigning in the wake of a 1-0 UCL Knockout Cup loss to Potton United.
He’ll be assisted by South Holland favourite Tom Roberts, who has impressed as manager of Pinchbeck United Sunday – and also used to play under Jarvis at Northern Star.
Jarvis, who was controversially fired as joint manager of PNS (along with Michael Goode) just a few weeks ago, reckons that Holbeach are one of only “a handful” of clubs he’d have considered returning to the UCL Premier Division for.
And he’s heaped praise on number two Roberts, who will work closely with him for the Tigers’ final 14 matches this season.
“I’ll be honest, I’m absolutely chuffed to bits,” said Jarvis, who began his management career with Deeping Rangers Reserves. “Holbeach United are one of only a handful of UCL sides that I really wanted to manage.
“Holbeach is a club that has always impressed me. There are a lot of great people here from the bottom to the top – and anybody that has ever played of been involved with the club always has nothing but great things to say about it.
“I’m also very happy that Tom Roberts has agreed to be my number two. Not only are we good friends, but he’s also a Level Two qualified coach – not many people know that.
“He’s well known in South Holland and has great contacts over here. As a manager, he ticks all of the boxes you’d like for a number two.
“Football is a funny game. A few weeks ago I was hurting after being sacked at Star, but strangely I couldn’t be happier with how things have panned out.
“I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to get stuck into the job.”
While Holbeach are now out of the Knockout Cup and have lost the likes of Jake Duffy, Lee Dube and Danny Spencer, Jarvis still reckons his new side have plenty to play for this season.
The Tigers are in fifth place after Saturday’s games, some 15 points behind AFC Rushden and Diamonds with three games in hand. Second-placed Wisbech Town are also 11 clear of the Tigers, having played two games more.
That situation doesn’t faze Jarvis, though. He reckons he’s still got more than enough quality to have a strong finish to the campaign – and admits that he and Roberts are already looking to bring a few new faces in.
He added: “There’s still a lot of points to play for. Yes, Diamonds and Wisbech are well ahead at the moment, but you just never know in this league.
“First and foremost, we need to get the belief and confidence back here. Once that arrives, results will follow.
“I look at the squad I’ve inherited and it’s still full of quality. OK, a few reserves have had to play recently, but it’s my job to look to bring a few players in to boost the numbers and get us back on track.
“We’ve already got a few irons in the fire and hopefully they’ll come to fruition sooner rather than later.
“I believe in signing local lads and I strongly believe that a club should have local people and local players at its core. You only needs to look at the amount of talent in South Holland to realise that this is a club where you can win things with players that are on the doorstep.
“If we can add a bit of team spirit and togetherness to the quality that we’ve got, the likes of Jamie Clarke and Andrew Tidswell for example, we’ll win more games than we lose.
“The title may be out of reach, but that’s not a given. We certainly need to push on and finish strongly, in the top three if we can.”
Jarvis also took the time to praise the job done by former co-bosses Chand and Graham Drury, with the latter leaving a few weeks earlier.
He reckons they haven’t received enough praise for their spell in joint charge, having left under something of a cloud after player exits and recent poor performances.
“It sounds funny, but I’d like to praise Graham and John,” added Jarvis. “The last few weeks haven’t been great here, but before that Holbeach were playing some great stuff.
“All credit to them, they’ve had a great season really. Up until a few weeks ago the club was still in the hunt for three trophies.
“That will probably get forgotten by most. I think they did a very good job, it’s just a shame how it ended.”
Jarvis’ debut in the dugout is at fourth-placed Thurnby Nirvana on Tuesday night (7.45pm). While he was in attendance at Carter’s Park for the Potton match on Saturday, his home bow as boss will come against Newport Pagnell Town this Saturday (March 14, 3pm).
