'Proud' new Pontefract Collieries manager Jimmy Williams eager to get going with pre-season
New Pontefract Collieries manager Jimmy Williams has spoken of his pride at taking charge of his hometown club in the season ahead.
Williams has been handed the task of following up the good work of his predecessor Craig Rouse and is now getting down to the vital preparation in putting together a squad, beginning pre-season training and playing warm-up games.
He cannot wait to get started and believes the club can progress further in the 2024-25 campaign.
"To be leading my hometown club is a very special and proud moment, as well as a privilege to be given the opportunity from the board,” said Williams.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity to start my young management career and it’s been a very busy period in trying to put the foundations in for a successful upcoming season.
"There’s a large proportion of the squad retained and it was key to keep the leaders and the core of the squad that gave us success last year.
"I’m very happy with the players I’ve retained, I’m not going to lie the phone’s been non-stop. It’s been hard work and there will be some new faces joining the squad in the next couple of weeks.
“As a whole I’m looking forward to the challenge, I’m buzzing and can’t wait to get going when pre-season starts at the end of June."
On his plans for pre-season, Williams added: “We will be aiming to play seven games in pre-season, all different opponents at different levels, which will give me the opportunity to have a good look at some players coming in on trial.
"Also to try out things we will be working on in training in the lead up to games – such as new set pieces, patterns of play and exciting attacking football with plenty of goals, just what the fans want to see.”
Colls have confirmed that midfielder or defender Jack Vann has left the club, but still there is skipper Jack Greenhough, who is pleased with the appointment of Williams who he once played alongside in Ponte colours.
He said: “I have known him as a person for a long time now, not just on the football field, and I can’t wait to get going with him.
"I’m excited for the season ahead, he’s certainly got the determination to be a successful manager and whilst I’m playing under him I will give it my all to make him successful and bring the club more success.
"I’m really looking forward to getting back at it next season. On a personal level in the middle of the season I was struggling to get in the starting XI, which I’ve never really had before, so it was a bit of a learning curve for me which made me find my form at the latter stage of the season.
"Getting all the fans back down and behind us the club is important, the club is on the rise and more and more people are coming down to watch us which is fantastic for the club and town.
“The rest is well needed as it was a hectic year with all the games getting called off due to the weather, I think it took its toll on everybody towards the back end.
"Last season was a success in winning silverware, but I’m wanting to better that this season coming up.”