Danny Hussey insists that he shouldn’t take all of the plaudits for his impressive start to life as Holbeach United manager.
The Tigers chief was named as the Future Lions UCL Premier Division’s manager of the month for February, having guided his side to four wins and a draw from their five games.
A 1-0 success over Desborough Town on Saturday made it eight wins in nine league games for Holbeach, with finishing as South Holland’s leading UCL side Hussey’s priority between now and the end of the season.
The boss feels that placing above fifth-placed Pinchbeck United would be a real feather in their caps and hopes his side will maintain their current position of fourth.
He said: “Obviously, winning manager of the month is always a nice thing.
“Sometimes it’s a run breaker – so I was pleased that we broke that curse by winning last weekend!
“But I’ve already told the team that the award isn’t for me, it’s for all of the players and backroom staff.
“I’m really pleased with how things are going, but it has been a collective effort.
“I’ve already said that the top three are out of reach and that our aim should be to get fourth place.
“If you look at things on paper, we shouldn’t be able to finish above Pinchbeck United due to the amount of money they’re able to spend.
“They may be a promoted side and new at this level, but our budget is a lot smaller. If we can keep ourselves ahead of them and finish in fourth, that’d be a real result for us.
“Overall I feel things are going well and the lads are responding well to what we’re trying to do. I think I can look to improve things going forward, but our defence is as good as anybody at this level.”
Next up for the Tigers is a trip to tenth-placed Oadby Town, who haven’t picked up a victory since January 26.
Hussey played many games on their Freeway Park pitch during his time working with the prison service – and he expects it to be a struggle on a notoriously tricky service.
However, despite their contrasting form, the Holbeach boss would be happy to come away from Leicestershire with a share of the spoils.
He added: “A bit like last weekend, I know that the pitch is going to be a struggle. It’s that time of year.
“We’re very hard to beat and that will stand us in good stead, but Oadby have a few dangerous players. Sam Hollis is a big threat, but I believe he may be suspended – which would be a boost.
“They may have their problems, but Oadby is a tough game. If we can come away with a point I’ll be happy, but a win would be great going.”
Hussey is hoping to add to his squad over the next week, with a seven-day notice of approach in for sought-after Wisbech Town right-sider Aaron Hart.
He faces competition from numerous clubs, but hopes to get that one over the line.
Holbeach’s move for Harry Peasgood is dead, though, with Hussey wanting the young defender on more than just a short-term basis.
Meanwhile, defensive midfielder Spencer Tinkler should be fit to return to the starting line-up this weekend after coming through Saturday’s warm-up, but right back Lewie Harker is unavailable.
