INTERVIEW WITH THE BOSS...

24.04.10

As the season begins to draw to a close for another summery intermission, www.dulwichhamletfc.co.uk caught up with Hamlet manager Gavin Rose to discuss Junior Kadi, the recent surge in form and the plans for pre-season…

Having returned to Champion Hill only last summer from Carshalton Athletic, Junior Kadi is the latest player to be at the centre of the supporter's attention, as he's become the subject of many rumours regarding a retirement from his on-pitch duties. Despite being something of a legend on the southern non-league circuit for his pinpoint passing and creative genius, Rose was quick to state that his and Kadi's playing careers now have to take a backseat due to their focus now being aimed at the managerial and off pitch side of their jobs.

"Myself and Junior's main priority is the club progressing. Our football careers are now secondary. Its true Junior has been playing on an injury for the past three months to help the side out, when we have been short of numbers etc. He is a technically gifted player, and it is also clear his ability is not best suited to the surfaces in which we have to play on; our own surface being one of the worst".

Currently unbeaten in the month of April, a statistic not matched by any other side in the division, the Hamlet have enjoyed a late surge in form in the final weeks of the campaign. However, the sudden change in performances and results have bamboozled supporters, many not sure as to what has changed since their side's miserable slump through March. Rose however, seems to be convinced that it's the players that have produced the results, rather than an alteration in tactics.

"The players have all worked hard for each other, since the 6-1 defeat to Leatherhead. Allied to that, the players have been extremely disciplined in doing jobs on the pitch".

Perhaps a stain on the recent turnaround in form has been the worrying comments from a current member of the squad, who has been heard requesting to ditch the historical Pink 'n' Blue colours in favour of the red away kit. Some have seen this as grossly disrespectful towards the club and its traditions and have become disillusioned with the idea of a 'club identity' that Rose has so eagerly promoted in the past. Nonetheless, despite these doubts, Rose remains adamant that this is an achievable aim, but one that will doubtlessly take time to build.

"Promoting of club identity is a very achievable aim, but will not be shown through players kissing badges etc.... It will take time to achieve, but I feel every aspect of the club can be improved in this respect. Our Advertising and Marketing must improve, as well as our community awareness. Part of my job off the field is to try and get these things initiatives in place".

With pre-season just days away, many are wondering who will be part of the Hamlet squad for the next campaign. Unfortunately, Rose was unable to individually confirm who would be playing in Pink 'n' Blue next season and who wouldn't, but certainly hinted at the idea of changes in playing personnel during the summer.

"As a player I always confirmed I would be back the following season when asked. The players will be invited back to pre-season, as well as the players I have highlighted, or have been recommended to me to have a look at".

Rose was equally tight-lipped when asked about what areas of the squad he thought needed to be overhauled during the close season, but recognised the need to improve the squad in order to mount a significant promotion assault next season.

"That's a difficult question; though I know the answer it would be wrong of me to divulge my opinion in public. Generally we will need to strengthen the squad, if we are to mount a sustainable challenge to be in the top five, this time next year".

©Richard Caldecourt