IF YOU see Stalybridge Celtic manager James Kinsey and his players out in the town’s pubs after matches, it is not a sign of them wanting to get away from everything.
In fact, it is the exact opposite as becoming part of the community is one of his central philosophies, building that connection between players and fans.
Kinsey has made an encouraging start to life at Bower Fold as the club looks to rebuild after relegation to the Northern Premier League West Division and the takeover by Nigel Jones and Paul Bowden.
And building the support in the town – while connecting more fans – is a big part of what he wants to achieve.
One sign it is working is apparent already in the form of a flag in his honour at one end.
“I’ve seen the flag, it’s brilliant,” Kinsey simply said.
“A big thing we do with our players is if they’re going out for a drink or food, go out in Stalybridge. That might sound a bit far-fetched but it’s so important.
“If we’re having a bit of a rough spell and we’ve engaged with them, going out for food and drink with them and being on first name terms with them, they back you.
“They don’t turn on you at the drop of a hat. There’s no us and them mentality and it’s something we really enjoy doing. Who doesn’t want to play in front of crowds?
“It’s important we engage with the community, that’s absolutely key. We need to build and get the supporters behind us. If we can do that, this can be a very special place to be.”
Kinsey’s approach seems to be working. Celtic are in the thick of the promotion mix, even after a controversial late penalty cost them two points against Clitheroe.
He cursed after it made the score 2-2: “We were robbed. I don’t really know what else to say.
“I’m absolutely raging. For the referee to give a penalty in the 98th minute in a game that could’ve put u eight points clear of Clitheroe, with the financial implications of going up or not, I don’t know what to say.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Kinsey had experience of life at Stalybridge Celtic before being asked to move from Wythenshawe Town this season.
But in a matter of months since the club was bought from Rob Gorski, things are improving. Bower Fold looks smarter, the old social club in one corner has gone and the hugely popular Bier Hut has been moved from a corner to an end, meaning more of an atmosphere as fans gather under a roof.
And things are starting to look up on the field as Kinsey’s changes take effect, even though he insists he is under no pressure to get promotion.
He added: “From the outside looking in, Stalybridge Celtic has always been a bit of a sleeping giant. I’ve always wondered what’s going on from afar.
“I got a feel for the club when I scouted a few games when Paul Phillips was in charge and I understand how big it is.
“Fans’ expectations are very high – that pressure was outlined from day one but we thrive under it and we back ourselves.
“It’s not going to be easy. We know that but we’re enjoying the ride.
“I knew how big the club was but we’ll live within our means while trying to meet those expectations and doing things the right way.
“This year is all about consolidation. There’s no pressure to get out of this league, absolutely not. We want to engage with the community and we’re in a great position.”
New players could still come through the entrance door but anyone who comes in would have to buy into a team spirit that is growing.
And if that means telling someone where they went wrong, so be it.
Kinsey told The Correspondent: “We’re at a stage where we’ve got a settled squad. We’ve got a good dressing room – people aren’t afraid to call each other out and it’s not personal.
“They’re good mates, they’ve that good banter about them and we’re happy.”