Hawks Manager Lee Bradbury was kind enough to give Postcode Publications an exclusive interview just prior to the kick-off for his team’s match against Concord Rangers. Sitting in third place in the Vanarama Conference South how do you sum up the season so far?
“I have been pleased with the way the season has gone. We have had a couple of bad performances earlier in the season but since then we have gone from strength to strength. We have a good and very versatile squad, which has been proved in the last couple of games. It’s important that all the lad’s buy into what we are trying to achieve as a club as it is very much a team effort.â€
Is Promotion into the National Conference League (one step off the Football League) possible this season?
“That would be fantastic to achieve, but there are some good clubs like Ebbsfleet, Bromley and Boreham Wood all trying to do the same thing and it will be tough. We missed out on the play-offs last season on goal difference and any improvement on that will show progression. We don’t mind if we go up as Champions or via the Play-offs, as long as we go up!â€
With the team having played in their last two matches with ten men due to ‘red cards’ will this affect their chances in the run-in?
“Obviously it will not help. Important players that have played week in and week out will miss matches. We have appealed against Nic Ciardini’s red card but if he is found guility he will miss four matches (second offence of the season). Nic started the season slowly after being our top scorer last season but has recently been back to his best. He has scored some important goals and caused teams problems with his deep runs. As he has got fitter and sharper he has proved to be a hard player to contain.
At this stage of the campaign every team is going to be affected by suspensions and injuries and we are no different. We have lost both Ed Harris and Brian Dutton, our central defensive pairing in the past two weeks with injuries. This is when as a Manager it is important to pick up points and use your squad to best effect.â€
Finally after managing AFC Bournemouth in the Professional game how have you found the managing in the Semi-Professional game?
“I am really enjoying the experience. I spent the first few months learning the standards of both players and teams at this level. I now feel I know all about all the players and teams in the League but have had some superb help from my staff.
Shaun Gale (Assistant Manager) has spent over a decade at this level managing and playing and I feel we work well as a Management team. The club is progressing well towards the next level of football and I have received maximum support from Chairman Derek Pope and the board of directors.
I would also like to thank the PO9 – PO11 newspaper for its continued support and hopefully next season will see Havant & Waterlooville FC playing on the National stage.â€