New Cambridge City manager Mickey Spillane outlines the type of team he is keen to build at the FWD-IP Community Stadium
Mickey Spillane is looking to build a hard-working Cambridge City team that gets the supporters excited.
The former Cambridge United, Norwich City and Brentford player was confirmed as the new Lilywhites boss on Monday, four weeks on from the sacking of previous boss Jamie Cureton.
It is Spillane’s first step into management in senior football, although he has served as an assistant for a number of years at National League South outfit Chelmsford City.
And while he may be new to the role, the 36-year-old has a clear idea of what he wants to see from his side.
He said: “I’ll give the players honesty and I like players that are brave. I’m not afraid to make brave calls either.
“Obviously I want to play good football, but I’m fully expecting that we’ve got to be really adaptable to different pitches, different weather and all sorts.
“So I know full well we’re going to have to be really adaptable, but I’m a forward-thinking manager. I want to excite fans, excite the players. I want everyone to enjoy being part of it, whether that’s training, playing in games or watching the games.
“There’s a lot of work to be done because ultimately I want the fans to come and see a hard-working team that’s also excitable.”
As is often the case when a new manager arrives, fresh additions are expected. Ex-Cambridge United, Peterborough United and Norwich City forward Danny Crow has been appointed as Spillane’s assistant, while Rob Moore has also joined the coaching staff from Chelmsford.
The current squad will also be given the chance to prove themselves, but signings are also being planned.
Spillane added: “It’ll be a bit of a mix job. I think we’re looking at players already to bring in and we’ll also give the lads a chance because it’s only fair that I make my own decisions on them and the new staff make their own decisions on them as well.
“It’ll be a continued process in terms of looking at players and looking at where we can improve. I think that’s the same as any team. You’re always looking to improve so wherever we feel that we can we’ll be looking at that.”
Spillane will take charge of City, who are currently in the Isthmian League North Division’s bottom four, for the first time on Saturday away at Witham Town.