Steve Witherspoon, manager of Ryman League Division One North side Brentwood Town, has revealed he doesn’t mind going on the road for the club’s next two matches. 

This Saturday Town travel to Heybridge Swifts before heading to Great Wakering Rovers a week later, and Witherspoon believes both grounds have good playing surfaces that suit his side’s style of play. 

“We prefer to play away from home in a way because our pitch is not really suited to the style of passing football we like to play,” said Witherspoon. “These two next pitches are ideal for us and I’ll be looking to get maximum points to keep our challenge going.” 

Witherspoon believes that there are eight teams, including Town, in contention for promotion from the Ryman league Division One North in one of the most competitive run-ins for a season. 

“I think whatever happens we’re going to have a big say in what goes on anyway in terms of the play-offs with the games and teams we have to play,” he said. “We’ve the best current away record in all of the Ryman divisions.” 

Witherspoon also thinks that having a happy dressing room is also playing a major role in his side’s successful season. 

“We’ve a good squad of players who are for me a joy to manage,” he declared. “They are genuine lads who want to play good football the way I want us to play, which I know from comments from other club managers is admired. 

“On the bench we keep everything calm and collective and don’t start ranting at referees or players if we don’t agree with something and we just try and change things and put matters right. 

“I think that’s the best way to handle it and that also reflects in the way the players behave. 

“I’m very fortunate in that the club chairman (Brian Hallett) is fully supportive in the way we try to do things on and off the field and is always on hand to help and give advice but at the end of the day it’s my decision on team selection and tactics and like any manager you stand or die by those decisions.” 

Town’s good behaviour on the field this season is reflected in the current Ryman League Respect table which puts Town fourth in their own division and 10th overall in all divisions. 

“We try to do things properly and take pride in what we are doing at the club and I think the supporters also appreciate that,” he added. 

Witherspoon confirmed that young James Love, a product of the club’s youth policy, has moved to Premier Division side AFC Hornchurch. 

“He’s only 19 years-old and a great prospect and whilst we’re sorry to see him go we wish him the best of luck,” he said. 

> http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk