Jim Scott interview

Brakes chairman Jim Scott does not believe than an arbitrary U-turn away from 'elite' status would fix National League North's Covid quandary - even if it might suit Leamington.

Scott told The Non-League Paper that most of the Brakes regulars would fit in under the capacity restrictions, but it was not a case of one size fits all.   'We have eight ex-Football League clubs, five with gates that sit at around 1,500-2000 per match.  Then you come down to smaller clubs like Brackley Town and Leamington at around 500-600.'

If elite status was removed, a lot of clubs with smaller fan bases would be very happy, but the larger clubs wouldn't be.  'They would have to make up their money through streaming and no one really knows how much can be made from that over a season.  It is another unknown added to the mix.'

'I always felt a return on October 3rd could be in danger with people going back to schools and workplaces.  That's why we held off selling season tickets.'

'Communication with clubs could have been better.  But it is easy to be critical, anyone can throw stones in these times, but things are very difficult for all concerned.'

Baker-Richardson on trial with Charlton

Former Brakes striker Courtney Baker-Richardson played for Charlton for 30 minutes in a practice match at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The club are currently under a transfer embargo, but could offer him a contract as he is a free agent.

I had mentioned him to my contacts at Charlton.

Holleran 'optimistic and realistic'

Paul Holleran

Leamington are the featured National League North team in today's Non-League Paper.

The new recruits are all discussed,  'Getting the goalkeeper situation sorted was a big thing on my mind,' said Paul Holleran. Holleran turns 50 next month and is approaching 1,000 games in management.

Discussing his recruitment strategy he said, 'We do look at Step 3 players, up-and-coming players, and players who have been released.  They should have the mind set that they can get into, or back into, full-time football.  The best way to perform is in the National League - the rest will look after itself.'

Holleran was described as optimistic and realistic about what Leamington can achieve this season.  'National League North is a really strong league.  It's a bit like the Premier League - you can split it into three sections.  You sort of know where Spennymoor, York, Boston, Brackley and a few others will be.'

'We've been in the bottom third and hovering around it.  The next step is trying to be a team that gets into that next tier.  It's within our capabilities to compete with teams settled and established in the division.  That has to be the aim.'

Former players news

Courtney Baker-Richardson has been let go after three years at Swansea which he says has helped his development both as a person and a player.  Not the easiest time to get a new contract, even in the National League, but wish him well.

He tweeted: 'learnt a lot in my time there and grew from a boy to a man. I walk away happy with what i achieved personally I always put in 110% every time I put the shirt on. I wish nothing but the best for them in the future. So to the staff, the players and the fans, THANKYOU.'

Also news of Jude Bellinngham who is going to join Borussia Dortmund rather than Manchester United.  The Bundesliga club are offering more first team football and £54k a week over five years.

Bit annoyed with the report in The Times this morning, since when has East Thurrock been in the Midlands and why not mention Leamington?: 

His father Mark is a police sergeant who had a non-League career, scoring more than 700 goals playing for the likes of East Thurrock United and Paget Rangers in the Midlands leagues.

Being prudent has worked for Brakes

Chairman Jim Scott makes a number of interesting points in this piece for the Non-League Daily.  Brakes have benefitted from a prudent approach, but it is clear that there are choppy waters ahead for non-league clubs: https://nonleaguedaily.com/having-lost-a-club-in-the-past-we-wont-allow-that-to-happen-again-leamington-chairman-jim-scott/?fbclid=IwAR1t6QYPUe0pKapmXjkz7wIzhxCHpC6bst1n3miMDL9m5jjavcr2X2AxDwg

A little competition

Who is the most unlikely person you have seen at the New Windmill Ground?   My nomination is Annaliese Dodds, now the Shadow Chancellor, although this was before she even entered politics.

She doesn't live anywhere near Leamington, nor did she live anywhere near the opposition team.  I knew her quite well in those days and she had never expressed any interest in football.

So why was she there?   If someone gets a right answer, I will donate £10 to the Graham Hobbins appeal.

No response so: she was a close friend of the lino and admiring his action with the flag.

Brakes supremo speaks out

Leamington chairman Jim Scott has said that non-league football will not be viable unless crowds are allowed to return: https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/sport/football/non-league-footballs-return-not-viable-without-crowds-says-brakes-chairman-scott-2881022#gsc.tab=0

I would add that I am not watching football from behind a mask.  How could I then express my appreciation of the decision-making of the referee and the lino or the vigorous tackling of the opposition No.3?