Host of new faces at March Town United as Whaley rebuilds on and off the pitch
MARCH Town United boss Brett Whaley has continued his revolution at the GER after adding a host of faces to his new-look management team and playing squad.
Whaley, who returned to the club less than a month ago, has moved quickly to convince James MacCullum to also rejoin March as his assistant. The former Hares striker replaced Whaley as Ramsey Town boss last October and led the side to the Peterborough Premier League title.
Defensive midfielder Ben Hepworth, who left March in 2009 along with Whaley to join Ramsey, has expressed his desire to return to familiar surroundings at the GER.
Hepworth’s title-winning Rams’ team-mates Kyle Nolan, Dan Jenkins, Adam Rothery, Chris Lenton and Gavin Cooke have verbally agreed to follow their former bosses Whaley and MacCullum to the GER. Centre-back Lenton will become first-team coach.
And in a further boost, late on Wednesday evening, Wisbech Town ‘keeper Lea Jordan declared he was going to join the club.
Whaley said: “These lads wanted to go up with Ramsey to Step 6 of the non-league pyramid (where March play) but the club withdrew their application.
“Players are ambitious and they want to play at the highest level they can. These lads have the ability, commitment and are all ready to make the step up.
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“They’ll soon be as good as anybody at this level and will hit their peaks in the next few years – I have every faith in them.”
Mark Hammond has replaced Hares chairman Phil White as the club’s reserve team boss after leaving his role as Soham Town Rangers Under-18s manager.
However, goalkeeper Lee Brooks and talented wideman Denny Escorcio look to have left the club after telling Whaley they were looking for a new challenge.
WHALEY ON……
James MacCullum, 39, assistant manager
“We’re similar in our approach to how we want the game to be played but he’s a people person while I like to deal with the tactical side of things.
Chris Lenton, 33, centre-back and first-team coach
“He’s a very good centre-back and he’ll add to our management team. He’s experienced and a very good organiser.
Kyle Nolan, 24, centre midfielder
“He’s always had the ability to step up a level. He’s very good on the ball and always wants possession.”
Dan Jenkins, 24, full-back or defensive midfielder
“He’s far too good for Step 7. He’s really versatile, has lots of energy and snaps into tackles. Not a lot gets by him.”
Adam Rothery, 24, wide midfielder
“He can play either side and will provide a lot of energy. He’s a box-to-box player and retains the ball particularly well.”
Ben Hepworth, 26, defensive midfielder.
“He’s a player I really rate and he’s very highly thought of at this level. I was lucky to take him to Ramsey. He’ll be a major asset.
Gavin Cooke, 22, defender
“He’s a very good footballer and he’s got better and better. He played at Step 6 while at uni and I can tell he’s desperate to play at that level again.
