Paul Holleran has told The Non-League Paper he believes he can have a positive impact on some of the talented youngsters coming through the ranks: 'The main plusses from the season where the young boys coming in and doing well for us.'
'You look at Dan Turner, it was his first full season in the National League North and he gets 17 goals. Dan Meredith, his first season, and he's been great. Devon Kelly-Evans the same. We have bedded in three or four really good young players.'
Holleran commented, 'As with anything in life, the longer you do it, the better you get. I have seen things before, been in different scenarios, in tough times you can relate back to it, and use it in matches and moments.'
'I like to think I can be a calming influence and bring that to the players. They are all good footballers, but it's that psychological and emotional difference. If they can make good decisions and stay in control of their emotions, then they tend to perform better. Sometimes you've just got to take it away from the players and deal with it yourself.'
Referring to players who have moved on to a higher level, Holleran said, 'It is a great motivation for younger players to come here, when they can see others have had a similar path and we have helped them get back into full time football.'
'People might criticise us for letting them go but we'll bring in players who have chosen us because they know what the move is capable of. We take a lot of satisfaction out of trying to get players back into the Football League full-time. The good thing is the players know if they want to move up, they have to do well for Leamington.'
He reckons it will be a tough and challenging season with new and well-resourced teams entering the league. 'The next step for us is turning into an established team, maintaining our position and gradually climbing up the league. A lot of managers will be mindful that there are more teams going down next year.'
